New Filter.... How Do I Avoid Re Cycling?

[watertown28]

I want to get my fish from the 10 gallon tank into the 30 gallon tank ASAP. Now is there a way to avoid re cycling the tank? I guess I could do it, just trying to save some time. Plus, this will help me when I want to get some new filters for the tanks. I have a used one on my 72 gallon right now.... a Marineland 350, and that will soon be replaced ( I just feel better with new. )

 

[KISSfn]

The filter is what is actually cycled. Just move all the filter media from your 10g filter and put it inside the 30g filter.

 

[OldMan47]

If you move the filter along with the fish, the tank is instantly cycled for your present stocking level. Once that filter has run along side the new bigger one for a couple of months, it may have transferred some of the beneficial bacteria to the new filter. To check, remove the old filter temporarily and get some chemical readings. If the new filter is controlling ammonia and nitrites, you can start gradually adding some fish. If it is not ready, put the old filter back in place and wait a while.

 

[CezzaXV]

If you move the filter along with the fish, the tank is instantly cycled for your present stocking level. Once that filter has run along side the new bigger one for a couple of months, it may have transferred some of the beneficial bacteria to the new filter. To check, remove the old filter temporarily and get some chemical readings. If the new filter is controlling ammonia and nitrites, you can start gradually adding some fish. If it is not ready, put the old filter back in place and wait a while.

I wouldn't recommend this. Over time the bacteria will split themselves pretty evenly between the two filters. When you remove one, you'll be removing half the bacteria.

What KISSfn suggested is perfectly fine. Just transfer all the media from your old filter into your new one, that's all you need to do. There may have been some bacteria living on the walls of your old filter, inside the pipes etc which you'll obviously lose (although most will be living in the media), so you may need to monitor the new tank for a few days just to make sure you don't get a mini cycle.

 

[watertown28]

sadly, it looks like I will need to re cycle the tank filter. The media in the 10 gallon pump does not fit into the other pump. Because the new pump is bigger so the bio pad is much bigger also

 

[Proxo]

sadly, it looks like I will need to re cycle the tank filter. The media in the 10 gallon pump does not fit into the other pump. Because the new pump is bigger so the bio pad is much bigger also

Doesn't have to fit perfectly, just whack it in as much as you can then slowly switch out your old filter media for the newer stuff.
I think? worked for me anyway, got a slight little ammonia hip but nothing serious.

 

[watertown28]

sadly, it looks like I will need to re cycle the tank filter. The media in the 10 gallon pump does not fit into the other pump. Because the new pump is bigger so the bio pad is much bigger also

Doesn't have to fit perfectly, just whack it in as much as you can then slowly switch out your old filter media for the newer stuff.
I think? worked for me anyway, got a slight little ammonia hip but nothing serious.

hrm cant hurt to try I guess

 

[Autonerd]

I am about to make a similar switch... upgrading my Tetra Whisper PF10 to an AquaClear 30.

The media is not the same size, but if I put the black mesh from the Tetra at the bottom end of the AquaClear's "sandwich," will that suffice? Should I also include the pouch that holds the carbon (without the carbon) somewhere in the filter?

ANd how long should I wait before I remove the old media?

 

[KISSfn]

I would transfer everything over. No reason to remove it.

 

[OldMan47]

CessaXV, this method has been used with good success by many people over the years. Actually, it takes a very long time for the balance to become split between filters. In reality, the old filter will do most of the work for a very long time. We are simply trying to get enough of a start on the new filter that it can actually carry some of the bioload. After that, gradual changes in stock level allow the new filter to keep up with those changes.