BettaGirl92

i have a new filter, for an established tank,
can i just plop it right on in?

Allie

Yup.

capekate

HI Tara Dawn
what did you do with the filter media from your other filter? If you have saved it and its still wet, it may still contain the beneficial bacteria you need to keep your tank cycled. I would add that old filter media to the the new filter.
Other wise, its very possible that you will be going through a mini cycle, in which you will have to do daily water changes to keep the ammonia down.

BettaGirl92

okay, and my new filter has Biomax and activated carbon.
Should i put all that in the filter like it says?

I've heard bad things about carbon.

Shawnie

if its a new tank, leave the carbon in it helps take out the ammonia ...then after a few weeks, removed the carbon either by taking out the bag, or cut a hole in the filter and let the carbon fall out into the trash

BettaGirl92

it's not an old tank.
it's my established 10gal.

Shawnie

so do as kate reccommended..cut off the filter media off the old filter and put it in the new filter...take the carbon out but be ready to put it back in if you get a mini cycle...goodluck

COBettaCouple

Most carbon I would only use for a week tops but would recommend it only for removing meds from the water and that's a few hours. If you use carbon, I recommend Marineland's carbon, which works better, safer and longer.