Transferring Bacteria

[ravekiss]

I just upgraded to a 20g from my 10g and i ran the old filter along with the new one for about 35 hours. I used the gravel, plants and other decor from the 10g that was running for 4 months (fully cycled). How long do I have to run the old filter for enough bacteria to transfer? The old filter is a Whisper 20 and the new one is a Aqua Clear 50.

 

[WILDER]

Just transfer the sponges from the old filter to the new one.

 

[ravekiss]

The 2 filters work with totally different medias...and I checked the old media cant be stuck anywhere in the new one. The old one uses a filter floss whilst the new one uses 3 different pieces of media.

 

[yvez9]

can't you just take the floss and put it in the new filter? Usually, floss just takes any shape you give it...

aquaclear fitlers accept any kind of media you can physically put in the basket.

 

[gwlee7]

can't you just take the floss and put it in the new filter? Usually, floss just takes any shape you give it...

aquaclear fitlers accept any kind of media you can physically put in the basket.

Right....... just put the Aqua Clear sponge in the bottom as it shows in the instructions and stuff the "old" filter media on top of it however it will fit and in a couple of weeks, you can take out the "old" media. Then, add the other "aqua clear media".

 

[canarsie11]

You do that you should be ready to go!

 

[yvez9]

can't you just take the floss and put it in the new filter? Usually, floss just takes any shape you give it...

aquaclear fitlers accept any kind of media you can physically put in the basket.

Right....... just put the Aqua Clear sponge in the bottom as it shows in the instructions and stuff the "old" filter media on top of it however it will fit and in a couple of weeks, you can take out the "old" media. Then, add the other "aqua clear media".

IMO, the aquaclear sponge, that floss and some other media would be enough

there is no reason to remove the floss really..

 

[Inchworm]

Hi ravekiss

The easiest and probably the safest way is just to run them together in the new tank for 3 weeks or so. By then, the new one will be established and the older one can be removed.

Who knows, by then MTS (multiple tank syndrome) might have set in and you will want to set up your small one again. You can then move the filter back, add some gravel from the 20, and you will be all set.

 

[ravekiss]

Thanks guys...I wont be setting up the 10 gallon right now. I dont have the room for both tanks.