How long before filter medium is established

[Wat2Go]

I have replaced the cascade 80 filter with a penguin 100 filter in my daughters ten gallon. I cramped the old filter medium behind the new one. When can I take that out, in other words, how long before the biowheel is established?

L.

PS. And thank you thank you thank you for answering all this newbie silly questions! I am learning A LOT from you.

[didy]

There isn't a magic number of days. You need to check the water parameters.

[Rbishop]

I wouldn't think wyou would need to leave it there more than 10-14 days. Squeeze it out into the filter box when you do remove it. Then watch your parameters for a mini spike. Do a water change if necessary.