Filter Transfer......

[Stampos]

Hi,

I'm currently looking at ways to speed up my cycling process, and have come up with the following idea. I'd just like to run it by the experts before I do anything

I have a 200l tank with a new Fluval 205 external, and a well established tank that is overfiltered. The filter on the established tank is a Fluval 2+ internal.

Could I put the established internal filter into the new tank with a small group of fish (5) and run it alongside the external? Would this be sufficient enough to ensure the fish suffer no ill effects?

P.S I can remove the internal and still be well above whats's needed for my current stock on the established tank.

Many thanks for any help.

 

[doresy]

Hi, I don't believe in 'experts' but you can have my views if you like.

Over filterd...that's an interesting description. If you run more filtration than is needed for the amount of fish stock then all's that happens is the same amount of nutrifying bacteria is formed but it is spread over both filters. If you remove one of the filters then you are effectively up to halving your level of protection therefore risking a mini cycle starting.

Better would be to remove a small portion of media from both of your established filters and swap it over with some of the new media from your new filter. Then follow a fishless cycle program........best way imo

 

[Stampos]

Hi, I don't believe in 'experts' but you can have my views if you like.

Over filterd...that's an interesting description. If you run more filtration than is needed for the amount of fish stock then all's that happens is the same amount of nutrifying bacteria is formed but it is spread over both filters. If you remove one of the filters then you are effectively up to halving your level of protection therefore risking a mini cycle starting.

Better would be to remove a small portion of media from both of your established filters and swap it over with some of the new media from your new filter. Then follow a fishless cycle program........best way imo

Thanks for the quick response!

What I neglected to mention (not intentionally) is that as I move my internal out, I will be drastically reducing my stock levels in the tank to compensate.

So my thinking is that, although I'd be taking >50% of the bacteria I'd have 50% less bioload to suit.

Could you clarify if I were to move the internal, it could work alongside the new filter with a small bioload?

Thanks again!

 

[doresy]

Hi, I don't believe in 'experts' but you can have my views if you like.

Over filterd...that's an interesting description. If you run more filtration than is needed for the amount of fish stock then all's that happens is the same amount of nutrifying bacteria is formed but it is spread over both filters. If you remove one of the filters then you are effectively up to halving your level of protection therefore risking a mini cycle starting.

Better would be to remove a small portion of media from both of your established filters and swap it over with some of the new media from your new filter. Then follow a fishless cycle program........best way imo

Thanks for the quick response!

What I neglected to mention (not intentionally) is that as I move my internal out, I will be drastically reducing my stock levels in the tank to compensate.

So my thinking is that, although I'd be taking >50% of the bacteria I'd have 50% less bioload to suit.

Could you clarify if I were to move the internal, it could work alongside the new filter with a small bioload?

Thanks again!


If I am reading you correctly then yes that would be ok but any bacterial transference to your new filter would be marginal as your established filter would cpoe by it's sellf.

What is your ultimate aim with your new tank? I don't understand why you want to run 2 filters in tandem.?

 

[Stampos]

Hi, I don't believe in 'experts' but you can have my views if you like.

Over filterd...that's an interesting description. If you run more filtration than is needed for the amount of fish stock then all's that happens is the same amount of nutrifying bacteria is formed but it is spread over both filters. If you remove one of the filters then you are effectively up to halving your level of protection therefore risking a mini cycle starting.

Better would be to remove a small portion of media from both of your established filters and swap it over with some of the new media from your new filter. Then follow a fishless cycle program........best way imo

Thanks for the quick response!

What I neglected to mention (not intentionally) is that as I move my internal out, I will be drastically reducing my stock levels in the tank to compensate.

So my thinking is that, although I'd be taking >50% of the bacteria I'd have 50% less bioload to suit.

Could you clarify if I were to move the internal, it could work alongside the new filter with a small bioload?

Thanks again!


If I am reading you correctly then yes that would be ok but any bacterial transference to you new filter would be maginal as your established filter would cpoe by it's sellf.

What is your ultimate aim with your new tank? I don't understand why you want to run 2 filters in tandem.?

The tank would become a cichlid tank, but in all honesty it is because I am an impatient so and so!

The idea is to give the new filter the opportunity to develop whilst the established one ensures the fish won't suffer.

Sorry if I don't make sense!

 

[Tolak]

Sounds like what you plan on doing is cloning, which is a sort of short cut around cycling if you have a mature tank.

A colony of mature nitrifying bacteria is capable of doubling in size in 24 hours. Let's say for example you have ten neons, and your filter has ten cubic inches of bio media Each cubic inch supports one fish. You could take half the media, half the fish, and set them up in another tank, and be reasonably assured you will have no problem. I have done this many times.

Knowing that your colony of bacteria can double in 24 hours, you can take about 1/3 of the bio media, guesstimate 1/3 of the bio load in the donor tank, and set up a new tank with a corresponding bio load. I suggest taking no more than 1/3, and fasting the donor tank for 24 hours before removing media, and feeding lightly for the next week. Less food means less waste produced, giving the nitrifying bacteria a chance to catch up. This is another thing I have done many times.

 

[Stampos]

Sounds like what you plan on doing is cloning, which is a sort of short cut around cycling if you have a mature tank.

A colony of mature nitrifying bacteria is capable of doubling in size in 24 hours. Let's say for example you have ten neons, and your filter has ten cubic inches of bio media Each cubic inch supports one fish. You could take half the media, half the fish, and set them up in another tank, and be reasonably assured you will have no problem. I have done this many times.

Knowing that your colony of bacteria can double in 24 hours, you can take about 1/3 of the bio media, guesstimate 1/3 of the bio load in the donor tank, and set up a new tank with a corresponding bio load. I suggest taking no more than 1/3, and fasting the donor tank for 24 hours before removing media, and feeding lightly for the next week. Less food means less waste produced, giving the nitrifying bacteria a chance to catch up. This is another thing I have done many times.

Excellent!

Thank you both so much for your help, it makes more sense to me now!