Maturing Filter Media

[hodgeheg]

I have a 48 litre tank with an interpet internal power filter (PF1) that has been matured for about 2 months now (although I have a slight nitrite issue - but that's not the point of this.)

I have another, much smaller, tank with an elite stingray 5 filter that I am attempting to mature with a fishless cycle. I was wondering if I could put this filter into my bigger tank (along with the existing filter) and if this would mature it for me without causing any problems for the fish in my 48 litre?

I've been attempting to mature this filter for well over a week and have only just thought of putting it into my bigger tank

 

[alchemist]

Yes - this is a good idea to help mature the stingray filter - you can run it side by side for about a month.

However - please be aware that stingray filters contain carbon / zeolite cartridges. zeolite sucks the ammonia out of the water and is not going to help you to fishless or clone cycle. You need to remove the carbon zeolite cartridges and replace them with some different media - e.g. foam cut to size - or some filter floss.

Personally I would throw the stingray in the bin and get yourself a different internal filter - lots of people like Fluval. Run that side by side for a month and then put it in the new tank and see if when you add some ammonia it is getting processed down to 0.

 

[hodgeheg]

Thank you for the quick response

GAaaarh! I've spent so much on this little tank already because the filter I first got for it was so incredibly noisy and so I bought the stingray. I also thought the tank was a good deal, but it came with no heater so I had to buy that too. I know fish keeping's expensive and I shouldn't moan because it's for the welfare of my fishies - it's just annoying when you're a pretty broke student with no job.

I'll research the fluval, thank you And in the future I shall ask on here before I buy absolutely anything related to my fish tanks

 

[hodgeheg]

Would this be an ideal filter? It needs to be quiet because my tank is in my bedroom.

fluval filter

 

[alchemist]

I haven't personally used that model - but I am sure someone will offer some feedback. You can always stick the stingray on e-bay to claw back some cash.

 

[hodgeheg]

OK, thanks for your advice

 

[OldMan47]

In the US a Fluval 1+ would probably be a good size for your tank. It is an internal that basically just circulates water through some sponge filters and is easy to maintain and silent in use. Your little filter looks like it is almost the same thing.

 

[hodgeheg]

Would I be ok getting the fluval 2 for my tank? Because (even though it's more expensive, which I don't like) I would really appreciate being able to adjust the water flow and direction.

What are that filter's dimensions? Or where can I find that information online?

Thanks, I really appreciate it

 

[Floyds mum]

Would I be ok getting the fluval 2 for my tank? Because (even though it's more expensive, which I don't like) I would really appreciate being able to adjust the water flow and direction.

What are that filter's dimensions? Or where can I find that information online?

Thanks, I really appreciate it

Ive got the elite mini filter and my sister has either the elite stingray 5 or 10 and they are all perfectly fine

 

[Harlequins]

I have never tried fluval so i can't comment,but a cheaper option might be the aquaflow 100,i bought one of these for my 20 gal tank,it has its own spraybar thats adjustable etc. nice and quiet i have it running in the big tank to keep it cycled,with the flowbar skimming the top of the water.

http/www.amazon.co.uk/Superfish-Action-I...d_bxgy_lp_img_b

 

[hodgeheg]

That one looks more convenient, I already have an amazon account and I trust them.

Do you ever change the filter cartridges, or just pull the bottom off and replace the sponges like the reviewer of the replacement cartridges suggests you can do?

 

[Harlequins]

No i haven't replaced the filter sponge,just take it out every so often and rinse it in used tank water,one thing i would recommend is to take the carbon pellets out,tip them in a bag for future use. The small hole thats left just plug it with a bit of extra media if you have any.

 

[hodgeheg]

Thank you very much, I'm going to invest in one of these filters right about now