Using Alternate Filters. Is this advisable?

[Irfan Moosani]

NEED ADVISE
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I have got 55 gallon Peacock cichlid tank. And am having 2 filters in the tank
1. Power head (left side) image attached

2. Air Pump Sponge filter (2 sponge + 2 air stones)

I use the filters alternatively.

My main filter is Air Pump sponge filter which runs for about 20-22 hours/day

My secondary filter (power head) is kind of backup filter and I user it 2-4 hrs / day to give some rest to main filter (this also makes sure that my secondary filter will be up and running at the time of emergency)

Now my concern is :
1. Does using the 2 filters alternatively can harm the beneficial bacteria residing in filters?( on of the filters will be on and tank is properly oxygenated)

2. Will this promote birth of harmful bacteria and will kill my fishes in the tank? (16 fishes - its not overcrowded)

 

[ustabefast]

Does the powerhead have floss or is it just pushing water? I'm not clear on if it's an hob filter or just a powerhead?
I'm also thinking the sponge filter will last just as long if you leave it on all the time. Turning on and off each day would probably create more wear and tear on the pump than just leaving it on.

 

[OrionGirl]

Absolutely no reason not to run both all the time. They are designed to operate 24/7 with regular maintenance.

A powerhead, even with a sponge on it, is at best a supplement and primarily for water movement. It is not designed to support a 55 that is more than moderately stocked.

 

[tanker]

I agree, why are you running and stopping. Keep both filters running.

 

[FreshyFresh]

My thinking is, you could rotate them in terms of which is powered up and which is powered down as long as they are completely submerged in the tank.

You would not want to do this with a hang-on-back or canister filter, where they only hold enough water to keep the media wet.

Like said, I'm not sure why you'd want to alternate them this way? They're not designed to be cycled on/off this way.