Tsunami35

I just upgraded to a penguin 200 w/biowheel. There were spots for two filter cartridges so I put in one new one and the old one from my original filter. How long should I wait before replacing the old filter with a second new one? How long will it take for benificial bacteria to form on the biowheel and new filter cartridge??

Thanks

sirdarksol

I'd leave it for a month or more.

I don't know if this is overkill, but it seems to have served my tanks well, so far.

Narcicius

yeah it takes a while, not as long for bio wheels but still a while, go ahead and give it a month.

COBettaCouple

A week or 2 will do the trick and we like to use that extra slot in ours to stick more filter sponge in.

Tsunami35

I have two filter cartridges in right now, Although, with 2 in the water level is quite high and it makes me nervous that it will overflow.

COBettaCouple

I think those filters have an overflow spot beside the intake, but they shouldn't overflow. We have an entire large sponge stuck in each of them and they've never had any trouble.

Tsunami35

One of the cartridges is pretty old, I have it in there because its the only one with beneficial bacteria. I think its overflowing because of that one.

COBettaCouple

Hmm.. If it's a problem, you might put the old cartridge in the substrate - see if the filter still acts up without it in.

Narcicius

does the old cartridge have any algae in it, maybe you should rinse it off with some tank water during your next water change.

Tsunami35

The old cartridge is mainly clogged with dust from my flourite. I tried cleaning it out but it didnt do much. Im pretty sure it wont get to the point where it overflows off the back of the filter, so Ill just wait until my biowheel is ready then replace it with a fresh cartridge.

Narcicius

Sounds good, I hope it all works out with your new filter carts, Keep us posted.