Had To Add A Second Filer To My Tank Today

[Lisa67]

Only 3 weeks after getting my tank cycled and adding fish, my filter sounds like it's dieing (got it used). So, today I bought and added a second filter. Both of them are the hang-on-back type. I'm sure that the new one must cycle in some way as there can't be any bacteria in it. Back in Feb when I was in the process of cycling the first filter I was given some spongy media from someones canister. It's been tucked into mine since that time. When I hung the new filter today I transfered that media to it to speed the process. Is there anything else I can do? I'm thinking it shouldn't take that long since my tank has had amonia and nitrite levels at zero for weeks with 14 fish in the tank.
I'm just worried that the first filter may die before the second is ready. Any advice?

 

[This Old Spouse]

The new one should be fine if you put the old media in it. I'd think if you put any other established media from the old filter in it that would be even better.

 

[Tizer]

have you tried cleaning the filter? they do need a little love an attention, like the fish

 

[Lisa67]

Actually, I haven't tried cleaning it because it's only been fully cycled for about 3 weeks. I figured I didn't want to wash away any good bacteria that has just grown in there. It's making kind of a grinding sound... it's comming from where the part that looks like a propeller (attached to the water intake) attaches to the part that hangs on the back. (Sorry, haven't learned the names for all the parts yet). According to my husband it sounds like a bearing is going bad. Hopefully it lasts till the other one takes over.

 

[This Old Spouse]

It's called the impeller. Sounds to me like something got caught down there, like a piece of gravel or sand. It all comes apart, and you should check for anything caught in there. Occasionally I have a snail that will get caught in mine and it makes that grinding noise.

 

[Tizer]

cycled or not they still need gunk cleaning out from them, your bacteria wont die during a clean up, just dont let it get in contact with tap water. im pretty sure you can save yourself the cost of a new filter with a spring clean oops too late