Can You Cycle A New Filter

[Peter C]

I'm after a decent filter cos in laments terms, mine is #123###

But as crap as it my be, it's cycled

Now can I buy a new filter, run it in my tank for a few week alongside my crappy one and it will cycle itself in time?

Cheers

 

[HAMBONE]

sure..

 

[mattyeatsmatts]

Run them both for 2 weeks then try and stuff as much of the old media(sponges) into the new one.
You can cut the sponges to fit.

 

[mbriggs84]

I'm not at all a pro at this, but I was wondering the same thing and read that running both filters will only divide the bacteria. A better option may be to place the current cycled media, if possible, into the new filter. Maybe someone who knows more could verify this.

 

[Peter C]

My current filter is just 1 big rectangular box shaped sponge with a cylinder going up the middle for water flow so I could cut it up

Just bought a fluval 106 as my tank is only a 90L

 

[JohnDyer]

I believe only enough bacteria to process all of the waste will grow. So if 1 filter can process all of the waste, the second filter won't have enough ammonia to support a bacteria population. Not sure how clear that explanation was...
Put the old media into the new filter, should be fine.

 

[Peter C]

Yeah I get what ya mean, cheers John

 

[Dazzler666]

Yep old media into new filter, run for a few weeks then remove old media as should have transferred as such to your new media then get, bob's your uncle!!