Running a new filter alongside existing filter

[Richie Lucas]

How long should this be done for so the new filter can be put in another tank?

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I would say run it along side for at least 4hrs, or if you can't afford to keep it out of the main tank for that long, just do it for an hour every 30mins...Bascically the longer the better but i would say 4hrs is probably a minimum to be safe.

 

[Richie Lucas]

Think i may have confused here?

I have a 25gal tank thats fun off an external canister filter. I have just got a Fluval 4, thats brand new. I want to set up a new small tank to keep the fry in, however i dont have time to get that tank to cycle ect.

I have put the fluval 4 filter inside my current tank, to get bacteria going inside it. I have also dosed the tank with some new bacteria. How long should i leave the filter in the current tank so that it can be used in a new tank?

 

[Allix]

anyone?

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Oh...Well then i'd run it alongside all day then which should do the job perfectly

 

[Richie Lucas]

Roll on tomorrow

 

[Allix]

been running for 2 days now, might go get the tank later today or tomorrow

Least the fry will have move room to swim in

Im worried that the filter will suck them in

 

[black angel]

lol mine have been running for 4 weeks to get them ready for their new home.
its a question though i would like to know the answer to.
i thought bacteria in a new filter would take weeks rather than days to establish if you dont take filter media from the old one into the new one.

 

[Bloo]

I was under the same impression. Therefor I would take some old filter media to put into the new filter and then run the two alongside each other in the established tank for at least a week. No I'm no expert on this and would gladly hear other opinions.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

....? I've always heard it was days but it could be wrong i suppose; anyone else?

 

[black angel]

i think its days if you can transfer any old media into the new one, but if you are starting with a brand new filter then i think the filter bed will take some time to grow even if its a slightly shorter amount of time than if the tank was new too.

 

[smithrc]

....? I've always heard it was days but it could be wrong i suppose; anyone else?

Just think how long it takes for a tank to cycle from scratch 4-6 weeks!

we run our filter for as log as possible if we're doing what your doing.

Either that or we half the media in the existing filter and put in the new filter. That way the bacteria in each is well established and will quickly spread to the other 50% of new mwdia

There is no way it'll be done in a few hours - I would say 2 weeks to be safe.