New Bio-Wheel in Established Tank

tomm10

tomm10

Prodigal Son
Oct 15, 2003
751
0
0
Oxford, MA
www.tomwalkerportraits.com
I have a new Penguin 125 I want to install on my planted 10gal tank. It has four danios and a couple of snails in it right now and has just completed cycling.

Is there a problem just switching out the old Top Fin HOB filter for the Penguin? Is there likely to be much beneficial bacteria residing on the filter bag for the Top Fin or should I be fine just making a wholesale swap?
 
The vast majority of your bacteria will be in the filter media--that's what it is there for. The water moving through the media provides the bacteria the chance to get to the ammonia and nitrites, in addition to providing them with oxygen.

Swapping filters means re-cycling. Swapping filter media (in whole) means re-cycling. This is why you should only replace a portion of the media at any given time.

Run both filters at the same time for about 2 weeks, and the new filter media will be colonized with bacteria. Removing the old filter will result in some loss of bacteria, but not as much as just pulling the whole thing at once.
 
My existing filter cartridge is a little pourous bag containing charcoal. Would it be possible to place the bag in the penguin and leave it in there for a few weeks to keep the existing bacteria?

Does the bacteria actually attach itself to the charcoal or to the bag? I'd like to avoid running the filters side by side since my hood won't allow for it easily but I will if I have to.

OrionGirl, its a good thing you don't charge for your advice. I'd hate to think what I'd be into you for already! ;) Really, these forums have helped me immensely.
 
Charcoal is only effective as chemical filtration for a limited time. If it's been in there for more than about a week, it is probably only acting as a home for bacteria. Bacteria colonize everything that a) allows access to food b) allows access to oxygen c) doesn't kill them. So, the bag and the charcoal will have bacteria. If you can put the whole thing into the new filter, you'll be salvaging most of the bacteria and shouldn't have to worry much. After about 2 weeks, you can remove it, and the new media (that bio-wheel) should be fully colonized. The bio-wheels meet the needs of the bacteria very well, and are a good choice. Make sure you check it with each water change, and clean the pins that hold it in place. They can get gummed up and stop turning--usually doesn't happen right away, but a few months without cleaning and you'll see what I mean.



Wait...I'm not getting paid for this? :confused: What the! :mad: I was told my check was in the mail! :D
 
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