Swapping Filters.

[b3cca]

Hi peeps
 
I have a juwel rekord 700 tank (70 litre) with internal filter that has been cycled with no problems for a few weeks now.
 
I don't like the juwel internal filter and filterbox as it only has 2 sponges a max 280 ltr pump and the main reason i want rid is that it takes up a lot of room inside the tank.
 
My aim is to remove that Juwel internal filter, heater and filter box altogether.
 
So I have bought a Eheim 2213 cannister filter and a inline heater.
 
So what do I need to do to ensure I don't have to go through another cycle with my new cannister filter ?
 
Do I just set up this Ehein cannister using the dirty sponges from my already cycled internal filter or should I set up the cannister filter and leave the internal filter running so both filters are running in there for a month or so ?
 
I was thinking just run both filters for a month until the Cannister has had time to cycle but then I was thinking if the already cycled internal is getting rid of the ammonia and nitrite then would the new external even cycle as there are never any ammonia or nitrites due to the internal doing its job.
 
Sorry if that doesn't make sense i can't think how to explain it

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Are there fish in this tank? Going on the basis you mentioned you were cycling, thenI would leave the internal pump anf heater housing running...but would remove about half the media and put it into the cannister. I would then fill the rest of the cannister with new chosen media and fill the rest of the internal with standard filter floss. Continue to monitor the water test result, possibly changing water if need be. Depending on how robust and strong the bacteria that maybe in your already filter media (a 'few weeks' is awfully quick) depends on how long it would take you to run the cannister filter alone.
 
Terry.

 

[b3cca]

5 harlies and 3 cherry barbs.
 
No, the tank is already fully cycled, just only been fully cycled for a few weeks now I meant.
 
The internal filter works fine always 0 ammonia and 0 Nitrite and always under 10 Nitrate with weekly 25 % pwc
I check these parameters every 3 days or so and it doesn't have a huge bioload or anything
 
I just want to swap it over and run the new cannister without affecting the parameters or having to start a cycle.
 
So you Think to just run both together for 4-6 weeks is best ?

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Simply letting them both run for any period of time is no good...you need to prove they are doing what they should be doing.
I would do as i stated above, even with fish in...monitor water stats daily, carrying out as much water changes as and when they maybe required.
Provided you don't suffer any 'mini' cycles you could move all the media across in 3/4 months (i would always air on the side of caution, especially with it being a relatively new tank and filter).
 
Terry.