What To Do?

[oswoldy]

Hi,
Im currently maturing an external filter to replace my internal and I have 2 quick questions.

1. Would it be better to leave both filters in there permanently or remove the internal and put the media from it in the external to keep it mature for donation and a backup.

2. What is the best way to check that the external filter is mature enough?

Thanks
Mike

 

[tenohfive]

Loose rule of thumb is one month running. I'd leave the internal in there, power consumption is next to zero and you have a backup.

 

[oswoldy]

Just thought the fish would prefer the extra space, and would also make the tank look tidier. I knew about the 1 month guide but just wondered if there was a way to test it?

Mike

 

[weejen]

if you leave it running u always have a back up filter with mature media in it ready to go

 

[markandhisfish]

i voted keep both running that way you will always have a spare readily cycled filter in case you ever set up another tank .

 

[oswoldy]

I was going to put the media from the internal into the external to keep it mature but I guess it will still need a mini cycle if I did that?

Mike

 

[tom_os]

i would put the i internal media into the external and just have the external running. if you have no fish just add some ammonia and see how long it takes to process. you could just do a mini fishless cycle to make sure.

keep the internal incase you ever need it