New filter and bacteria

[Aylana]

I have just bought a new Fluval 3 plus filter as my old filter has been breaking more and more often and isn't running very powerfully no matter how much I clean it. My query is rather than running the two filters at the same time can I put the new one in and just put the filter sponge from the old filter in the tank somewhere. As the old sponge in cylindrical I thought it would be fun for my khuli loaches to play in as well as keeping the bacteria in the tank under my new filter is fully colonised.

Yes? No? Maybe?

Opinions would be appreciated.

 

[nc_nutcase]

If all you are changing is the filter then you will have a certain allotment of beneficial bacteria elsewhere in the aquarium. I would think adding the new filter and putting the old media elsewhere in the aquarium would be fine. As with any reorganization of the aquarium, you may go through a 'mini cycle' but the spikes from such a situation are not as drastic and phase out pretty quick. most moderate to hardy fish will make it through relatively unharmed.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I agree that is a good alternative way to do it; just make sure the old filter sponge fits well into the new filter if its a different shape otherwise it won't do its job properly .

 

[nc_nutcase]

quick note I meant to include pin my previous post...

you may want to either (or both) rinse the old filter media off in a bucket of aquarium water to get the big stuff off and/or put the old filter media in a nylon stocking to prevent polluting your aquarium...

 

[Squirrelbuddies]

... and/or put the old filter media in a nylon stocking to prevent polluting your aquarium...

I've done that before and it works very well. I've also cut off a piece of the old media and put it inside the new filter along with the new filter media.

 

[Paul_MTS]

i would take 1 of the sponges out od the 3+ and chop up your old sponge so that it fits in and just leave it for a while like that, longer the better really, and then after say 1week atleast take out the old sponge and put the other new pad back in.

 

[Aylana]

Thanks for the advice everyone it is really helpful. I think I will try to chop up some of it to fit into the new filter and rinse off the rest for the loaches to play in.

Thanks again!

 

[nc_nutcase]

I know you meant you will rinse it in 'old tank water' but I wanted to reiterate it for others who read this.

 

[Aylana]

Good idea, should have pointed that out myself, thanks!

 

[navigator]

just wash out the old filters in the water in the tank this will add enough good bacteria that will enhance and stick to your new filters quite quickly.