Aqua One Cf-700

[Baf05]

I bought this new filter, its an external. I am swapping over to it from an under grave filter that I have been using.

The new filter has the usual sponge matting and three "media" cradles. Included in the box was two bags of "stuff" some plastic balls, and some ceramic tubes.

My question is this, which goes where? Does it matter? Or should I be using something else.

Also I am planing to do a complete rebuild of the tank, how long should I run the new filter before I add the "old" fish?

 

[RipSlider]

I bought this new filter, its an external. I am swapping over to it from an under grave filter that I have been using.

The new filter has the usual sponge matting and three "media" cradles. Included in the box was two bags of "stuff" some plastic balls, and some ceramic tubes.

My question is this, which goes where? Does it matter? Or should I be using something else.

Also I am planing to do a complete rebuild of the tank, how long should I run the new filter before I add the "old" fish?

Most externals work from the bottom up. Therefore, I would do the following:

bottom
plastic balls ( these act to help trap the coarse debris and also to have some good bacteria grow on them

THEN
plastic tubes
THEN EITHER: One of your bags of "stuff". I'm guessing one has white crystals in it, which will help to reduce nitrites and nitrates in the short term until the filter cycles. You might also have a bag of black "stuff". This is activated carbon. Mainly used when you need to get rid of chemicals, for example when you need to remove med's from a tank. Leave this one out for now.

OR
get yourself some EHISUBSTRAT Pro, by eheim, which is really great for getting the good bacteria growning really well.

Then your sponges. If you have two grades, place the couarse grade at the bottom, with the finer grade on top.

I'd reccommend not using either of your bags of stuff for now, and getting some substrat. With a new filter, you want to build up as big and as stable a colony of bacteria as possible.

Steve