? about switching to new filter

[jzkmom]

I have decided on the Filstar XP2 for my 30g planted tank. I found it at a lfs for $1 less than BigAls, so I'm going to get it today. My ? is - once the XP2 is hooked up, how long do I need to keep running the Emperor 400 to allow the biological filter to transfer to the XP2?
Tank inhabitants are 6 neons, 5 zebra danios and 1 amano shrimp. I don't want to shock my fish by taking away their biological filter, but would like to remove the Emp 400 as soon as it is safe.
Once I've stopped the driving off of CO2 by the Emp 400, my next step is to work on getting a CO2 injection system.

 

[Sumpin'fishy]

You are lightly stocked, which is great, but I'd still wait a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks before removing their "life-support". If it is an established tank, changing it too quickly can disturb alot of things in your tank, like causing an algae bloom! Best to stick with the slow and methodical approach, IMO.

Oh.....you can turn down the flow on your Emp, also. This should make the new filter more a more bio-friendly environment and promote the transfer.

 

[jdwyz]

jzkmom,


great choice i have an xp2 on my 29 gallon.and it works really well.a great filter for the money.go ahead hook her up and you will see for yourself.

jeff

 

[Toro Driver]

I switched from an Emp 400 to a Fluval 304 on my fifty five. I ran them in tandem for two weeks, the emperor at minimum flow rate. After two weeks I pulled the Emp but tossed the bio wheels in the tank. After a couple more weeks a moved one of the bio wheels to another tank. Want to the bacteria alive until I figure out what to do with my Emp 400.

By the way, my nitrate and amonia levels remained at 0 during the whole transition. The reason I threw one of the bio-wheels in the other tank was because I was treating my Angels for illness. It was a ten gallon and the four angels and dozen guppies pushed the filters limits. Adding the bio wheel and an airtone drove Nitrite levels to 0 over night.

 

[Hebdizzle]

i think you'd be suprised how quickly the bacteria can transfer from filters.... but i would leave it on a week or 2 to get it really messy