new filter

[cbster]

i am replacing a old filter with a new filter how long should i leave the old filter running in the tank for the bacteria to grow in the new filter thanks

 

[Tolak]

I left mine for a month, took the old one apart & totally cleaned it and replaced the media, then set it back up. Can never have too much filtration, and if a filter goes down on another tank I have a back up, fully cycled.

Tolak

 

[Inchworm]

Hi cbster

This is one of those questions that has more than one answer and they can both be right.

Tolak is absolutely right but his approach is conservative and safe. On the other hand, if you just take it off and put the new one on, it would probably work out OK, too. The bacteria living in your substrate, on the glass and other surfaces would quickly populate your filter media and in a short time it would be as good as the old one.

Personally, I would do it the way Tolak recommended.

 

[Lithril]

I'd personally run them in parallel for at least a fortnight.