Replacing Filter?

A few variables here. Was this the only filter? If so, there probably won't be enough bacteria to handle your full bio-load unless it is very light. Yes there are some good bacteria present on all the surfaces and it will repopulate quicker than a new tank but you will most likely experience a fair size cycle. If you have another filter it will minimize this cycle. Maybe 'steal' some bio-media from another filter if you can/have one. Bio-Spira wil help I've heard if it is a good batch(handled well). You may still get a mini cycle. If the bio-media from your broken filter is still wet in tank water, put it in the new one, it might still have viable bacteria.

Waverider said:

...How exactly can I add the old media to the new filter media? I have been using a filter that uses the filter cartridges that are rectangle and the Bio-Wheel would be different.

Could I just throw it in the bottom of the bio-wheel filter for a week or so too boost? Can I cut it up and add some?...

Click to expand...

exactly. You probably only need to cut it up if needed to fit.
btw...keep testing ammonia/nitrite until you are sure the cycle, whatever size, is complete.

I agree with using the old media as long as it stayed wet. Either way the boost you will have from your tank should make the cycle a short one even if you do see some high levels.

I don't know that the cost of Bio-spira is worth it in this situation. You really do have at least a good starter colony remaining of both types of bacteria.
If you cannot find an easy way to put your old cartridges in the new filter, just hang them close to the intake for a few days to a week. The intake will provide enough flow to utilize the bacteria in your old media, and it won't take long for the migration to occur into the new filter. After a week or so start removing the old media a bit at a time. The big trick is remember to test in case something does go wrong you can catch it and do a water change. I'd also reccomend skipping feeding for 3-4 days while doing this. Reduced feeding will create reduced bio-load, and give the bacteria a better shot at handling all of the waste.
Dave

When you cleaned your old filter, did you replace the media on a regular basis or clean it out in a bucket of aquarium water and reuse?

When I swapped filters on my tank, I was replacing the media once a month so most of my bacteria had formed in the tank. I didn't have an ammonia or nitrite spike. If you did reuse the filter media, then you might have mini cycle, but it shouldn't take as long as a full cycle.