How Long Do I Run A New Filter Along With The Old One?

[sylros]

My original filter is a TopFin 10 (never liked this model)...my tank is 10gal...it came with it. Anyway one day I noticed that there wasn't any water coming out, thinking it was dirty, I cleaned it...still the same result. So, having read about the Penguin filters, I went a picked one up cheap - definitely creates a heck of a lot more current for one! So, it's been running ever since alongside the old one --yeah with perseverance, I practically took it apart, discovered the pipe was totally clogged.

My question is, how long before I can stop using the old filter as it creates way too much currant in the tank...I'm thinking that 2 weeks wasn't enough because I've started to have problems with my PH, it's much higher, and can't seem to get the ammonia down either...I did a 50% water change yesterday, that's when I got those results. I also just got rid of the breading tank for my guppies as they are now big enough to fend for themselves - hence the water change - ammonia was high again.

Any thoughts?

 

[colleen0309]

You should wait about 6 weeks running both filters. That should give the bacteria time to establish.
Oh! Good morning and welcome to the forum.

 

[phishyphil]

Agreed with Colleen Here. 6 Weeks Seems to be the golden ratio here sylros.

 

[cynic]

This is the second half of a double post, all the answers are here...My link