Mike19

Hi All,

Im considering changing filters as the one that came with the tank was not the best one to start with. i know that by removing the old filter i may upset the ??"cycle or bacteria"??.

So what is the best method to replace a filter?, im thinking of installing two leaving the old one and putting the new one and leaving it for around 2 weeks.

Thank You.

Lucy

If you could run both that would be a good idea, depending on the type of fish you have, size tank and current it would create.

Mike19

its a 10G, mostly just tetras, guppies

(Im considering on getting some clown loaches i know what your thinking no way for a 10G lol, this will only be done in the future depending whether or not i get my 180G tank or 80G tank, im still in the process of deciding i should make a thread to help me out lol).

Lucy

Running 2 filters in a 10g might make too strong of a current. You can always put the new filter media in the 10g (along with the exisiting filter media) to get it seasoned then switch out filters.

Drew 43920

I have a Penguin 170. It has an open area in back of the filter cartrage. Can I put extra filter medium in that space without overloading the motor ?
TIA
Drew

Lucy

I'm not familiar with your type of filter, but you should be able to. Just keep an eye out for a little while for over flow.

Drew 43920

May a bag of ceramic rings. Should not impend water flow and would add biological filtration. What do you think ?
Drew

fishlover78

the noodles should be fine, that would be a perfect breeding ground for BB (Beneficial bacteria) -fishlover78

Drew 43920

OK, Thanks
Drew

fishlover78

your welcome! I am always eager to help! -fishlover78

Fish_wise_man

Hiya

When I had a 10 gallon aquarium fish tank, I used an aqua clear 20. Usually when I switched to a new filter. I just put in the new filter to run along with the old filter. I usually turned down the old filter to a very slow moving water current, and kept the new one at a regular flow.

It worked for me, but I only had goldfishes and a pleco back then. So the new aqua clear worked better than my old pet cetera one... ugh the other one demanded so much cleaning, and ran up my electricity bills a bit... but oh well.

So it took me about one week before I could take out the old pet cetera filter. I gave it away to some family who was looking for a used filter

So my best thing to say is. Be careful on what type of fishes you have.

Smaller fishes like tetras, and guppies or mollies are very delicate and can PROBABLY get stressed out very easily.

So use caution.

msbabb

To kind of ask the same question. I have switched from 2 HOT to an eheim ecco 2234, but still running the HOTs. How long do you think before I can pull the HOTs. Its a 29 gal setup going to be focused around a pair of angels(once everything's cycled through).

fishlover78

I would wait about a month just to be safe, or you can just leave them permanently if you so desire.

msbabb

I kind of thought about that but I realized that a total of around 400 GPH was a bit much for angels. Right?