Changing the whole filter

[Cheapeeper]

I have an Aquaclear HOB on my 55 gallon Oscar tank. It's so dirty I was wondering if it would be ok to just throw it out and replace it with a totally new HOB filter?
I've seen better HOB filters in my catalogs I recieve in the mail.
Can I do this without crashing the whole tank? I dont want to put the fish through the stress of a cycle.:headshake2:

Any suggestions are welcome but please no inquiries about canister filters or any other types beside HOB filters.:lipssealedsmilie:

Thanks Sharon in Minnesota

 

[scott-kim]

If you throw all the media away from your filter you will probably go through a mini cycle.
I would suggest you keep the established media and work it into your new filter.
What filter are you looking at? AC are hard to beat.

 

[krytan]

Why not just clean it?
Just the one filter is not enough for an oscar tank.

 

[jbradt]

If you want to guard against a cycle, better to run the two filters in conjunction for a while before you get rid of the old one. You could also try to find a way to use the old filter media in the new one. If you just get rid of the old one and put a new one on, your tank will definitely go through a cycle.

 

[lucy42083]

Just the one filter is not enough for an oscar tank.

:iagree::iagree:

 

[bazil323]

Hmm, there are two options here. 1. You could stuff some of the old media into the new filter until it has enough to continue the bacteria colony on its own. I'd keep it in there for at least 2 weeks. Don't forget to put some new filter media in there as well, otherwise there is no point.

The second option is to run both the old filter and the new filter at the same time for a couple weeks so that the new filter gets seeded with bacteria. Then you can probably remove the old filter without problems. But, I like to run 2 filters anyway, just in case I have trouble with one.

Btw, I like the Marineland Emperor filters. The not only have customizable cartridges; they also have a biowheel. I got mine used, so it is a bit noisier than my other filters. However, I don't know if that's a problem with new ones. It's really more of a waterfall sound though. Within a week, I didn't notice it at all.

 

[mostlycichlids]

Great advise given. A 55g is going to be too small for a full grown Oscar. Besides that point providing it with excellent filtration will help and is a must in a 55g with an Oscar. I would keep the filter you have and add another one to the existing one.

 

[Cheapeeper]

Thanks for the advice. As for upgrading that's not gonna happen for a while till I can either buy or rent a house. landlord of the townHouse I rent says the 55 is to big.
It's not an option either to put the 55 gallon in the basement as there is only one plug in and it's next to the dryer, not real good for the fish.
I have looked t the marineland filters and most likely if I get one I will go with the biggest size filter I can buy for a HOB.

Thanks again for the help.