How To Transfer Used Filter Material Please?

[Em29]

My tank (90l) is refusing to cycle. I have done everything by the book and four weeks in the ammonia hasn't budged, no nitrites and very little residual Nitrate.

I am unnerved.

Now I have a fluval edge with a cycled filter. Is it possible for me to somehow transfer something from this to my 90 liter internal fluval filter??

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, it is. Cut about a third off your Edge's sponge and put that in the bottom of your 90ls filter

 

[Em29]

Fluttermoth -

 

[fluttermoth]

lol, thank you, Em

I'm sure your tank will cycle now, with a bit of help

 

[Em29]

You are welcome Flutter!!
The filter top will not quite close with the media in the bottom. Is that Ok?

Oh I hope this works!

 

[fluttermoth]

It depends on your filter, but I would take a bit of the new media out so it does close; it might allow the water to bypass the media if it's not properly shut.

 

[Em29]

Ok but the filter material is in a blue plastic frame....
Should I slide out the media and cut some out and pop old media in?


Sorry I know I am being a numpty - never had a fluval filter like this before.

 

[fluttermoth]

Ah, a Fluval U?

In that case, if you haven't already, I would prise apart the one with the carbon insert and cut your mature sponge into thin-ish slices and replace the carbon bits with it. Or chop it up and put it in the centre section with the bio nodule things are.

 

[Em29]

Thank you flutter - I was doing that whilst you posted

I cut out a section of new sponge and replaced with slices of old filter sponge

Couldn't have done it without you!! And now I have intimate knowledge of a Fluval U