How To Transfer Old Filter Media To New Tank And Filter

I am going to buy a new 5 gallon tank for my bettta. The tank I am getting comes with a Top Fin Silentstream filter 10. In my current tank, I have a hang on back filter with 2 filter cartridges and the filter doesn’t work as good as it should (some of why i’m getting a new tank) how do I maintain the good bacteria and not throw anything off when getting a new tank and filter? and also will it stress my fish out if I get a new tank and place it in a different spot then the previous one?

 

HI Hannah (saw your message) So I assume your old filter cartridges are the bag type with carbon inside? If so, cut them open and dump the carbon, keep the material part and place into the new filter for at least a month or two along with any new material that came with it. That will get your new tank cycled. Your new location will be just fine, keep in mind if it will be in a busier area of the home he may need to adjust. He may hide at first but will be ok

 

HI Hannah (saw your message) So I assume your old filter cartridges are the bag type with carbon inside? If so, cut them open and dump the carbon, keep the material part and place into the new filter for at least a month or two along with any new material that came with it. That will get your new tank cycled. Your new location will be just fine, keep in mind if it will be in a busier area of the home he may need to adjust. He may hide at first but will be ok

Yes the cartridges have the cotton type material. Now what do I do with the material part once i’ve dumped the carbon into the new filter? I’m pretty sure the new filter comes with only 1 filter cartridge and mine currently has 2 so do I take out the carbon in both of the cartridges and put it along with the new cartridge in the new filter?

 

Yes take both and try to squish both in along with new one. If only one of your old ones will fit then that’s ok too. Keep old and new for a month or two before throwing the old one out. Always do this, never change to a new one all at once.

 

Yes take both and try to squish both in along with new one. If only one of your old ones will fit then that’s ok too. Keep old and new for a month or two before throwing the old one out. Always do this, never change to a new one all at once.

okay thank you!! oh and what about the gravel? I really wanted to get new sand or gravel but I remembered there’s beneficial bacteria and stuff in it. and what’s the minimum amount of time I have to run the filter and everything before adding the fish

 

You can add the new gravel or sand and maybe use panty hose to bag some of your old stuff throughout the tank if you like. Then take it out in a month or so. Most of your bacteria is in filter anyway. I would be fine with adding fish as soon as I set it up. It’ll be an instant cycle with your old stuff included.

 

You can add the new gravel or sand and maybe use panty hose to bag some of your old stuff throughout the tank if you like. Then take it out in a month or so. Most of your bacteria is in filter anyway. I would be fine with adding fish as soon as I set it up. It’ll be an instant cycle with your old stuff included.

okay good!! thank you for helping if I have anymore questions i’ll know who to ask!

 

You’re quite welcome, I’ll be on again tomorrow, off for now. Good luck and have fun!

 

You’re quite welcome, I’ll be on again tomorrow, off for now. Good luck and have fun!

Thank you!! this is how I sandwiched in my old media

 

Thank you!! this is how I sandwiched in my old media

Perfect!

 

Perfect!

This is the new set up!! I think he really likes it