Filter Removal

[james_fish]

On my 55 Gallon I have an Eheim Ecco Pro external filter (think it's a 2034) and a Fluval U4 internal filter. I want to get rid of the internal because I think the external will manage + it's an obvious eyesore in my tank. And furthermore I want to add a powerhead where the filter is.

Will the Fluval be okay to remove immediatly or will it mess up my water quality? How should I go about the switch? I have a decent sized stock.

Thanks in advance, James.

 

[TwoTankAmin17]

I suggest that you remove the bio-media from the filter and allow it to stay in the tank while the powerhead is added. If you can prefilter the PH with a sponge, some bacteria should colonize that as well.

Sponges can just be allowed to float or sink, "pebble" type media can be put into a mesh bag (or equivalent) and allowed to start in the tank. Because bacteria tend to build the strongest populations where the food and O is most abundant, over a few weeks the colonies will rearrange themselves to be in a more optimal configuration.

Of course, when making such a switch over it is important to monitor ammonia levels so you know if you are getting a "mini-spike" and handle it accordingly. If all goes well you probably wont see that happen- this is a precautionary measure better taken than not.

 

[james_fish]

Thanks for the reply TTA.

Could I cram my external with sponge/media from the U4 and get away with it?

James.

 

[james_fish]

Bump

James.

 

[SLIM]

Thanks for the reply TTA.

Could I cram my external with sponge/media from the U4 and get away with it?

James.

Yep and thats exactly what i would do.

 

[Harlequins]

Thanks for the reply TTA.

Could I cram my external with sponge/media from the U4 and get away with it?

James.

Yep do that,you should get away with in theory,dont feed until the following,it may give you a mini spike,but it'll soon catch up

 

[james_fish]

Sweet, cheers guys

James.