View Full Version : Filter Transition Question?
scottracy
03-03-2004, 9:04 PM
I am in the process of replacing my current filter with two AC 300s. My tank is 55g and has been established since Dec. 17, 2003. I added one of the ACs 8 days ago and left the old filter in place. How long should I wait to add the second new AC?
Scott
Captain Hook
03-03-2004, 10:09 PM
Would it be possible to move some of the media from the oldest filter to the new AC? If so you could that and not lose any of your biological filtration. If not I would say wait 3-5 more days and replace.
scottracy
03-04-2004, 6:02 AM
It sounds like I need to wait. The old filter uses these pre-manufactured filter pads that slip over a frame and not a specific media. Thanks!
Scott
The beauty of the AC filters is the larger media basket. You can put just about anything you want in there. But if it is on a frame and you don't feel like cutting it up then I would wait at least a week before switching out. It also depends on your fish load. The heavier the fish load the longer I would let it run. With a light fish load the bacteria in the gravel is probably enough to sustain it.
scottracy
03-04-2004, 12:36 PM
Fish Load:
4- Dwarf Gouramis
4-Red Skirt Tetras
4-Platys
4-2" Clown Loaches
3-Black Skirt Tetras
2-Corydoras
1-3"Plecos
snakeskinner
03-04-2004, 1:30 PM
you're pretty loaded. One other option would be to just take the filter cartridge out of the old filter and set it in the tank and go ahead and set up the new filter. This way you can establish the new filter before you remove the old one. Kyle
As you can see there are numerous options. I would say you have a heavy bioload in the tank so the longer the old filter media gets run, most likely the better. You might as well stick with what you are doing now, running for a week to 2 weeks and then taking the old one away and setting the second one up.
As long as the ammonia levels and nitrite levels don't get to dangerous levels in the tank and you do yuor water changes you will be safe with what ever method you choose.
Good luck, AC's IMO are a great choice.
Captain Hook
03-04-2004, 2:25 PM
I think you still have a fairly low fish load. Also interesting to note is that I used to clean my AC's by scrubbing everything in hot water and replacing all filter media. I never had a problem even though I killed all the biological bacter in the filter.
I am not recommending you do this obviously. However I am going to say that alot of beneficial bacteria is in your tank, like on the plants, gravel, rocks, etc. Even still if there is no rush to change filters I would say leave the old one.
Make sure to keep an eye on ammonia and nitrite levels when changing the filters.
scottracy
03-04-2004, 4:48 PM
I think taking the conservative approach is best. I will give it a couple of more weeks and then add the second AC. Thanks for all the advice!
Scott