Internal Filter to Fluval 407

My new Fluval 407 and spray bar is expected today. The long term goal is to take the internal filter out completely.

For today, can I just add the old media into the 407 and switch the internal off?

Or is it better to have both running for ~a month or so, so the new media gets BB and then I can just remove the Old filter and media?

 

I'd just transfer all of the old media (sponges, biomedia etc) straight to the 407, just make sure it stays wet during the process and keep an eye on parameters afterwards. You should be fine though.

Good luck with the new filter!

 

I'd just transfer all of the old media (sponges, biomedia etc) straight to the 407, just make sure it stays wet during the process and keep an eye on parameters afterwards. You should be fine though.

Good luck with the new filter!

Excellent, thanks!

Hoping it will be a big improvement over the internal one!

 

Does the internal filter have a cartridge or sponge media etc?

In the 407 you will have 2 extra baskets free. I would set up the very bottom basket with your old media on the very bottom of the tray then fill it with extra sponges. Then the next tray the 407 sponges and some floss on top. The 3rd and 4th the Bio media that came with it. I had my other canister media for the 3rd then the 4th I put the new fluval media last. You may want to get some more media to fill both baskets at least 3/4 full. This is what I did but I dont think you will have as much seeded media as I did. Keep and eye on parameters still for at least a week or so. I didnt use the carbon pouch.

Putting your old media in the bottom will insure the bacteria flows up into the new media more effectively. You always want the floss before the bio media.

 

Does the internal filter have a cartridge or sponge media etc?

Sponge

. I would set up the very bottom basket with your old media on the very bottom of the tray then fill it with extra sponges.

Excellent ok, thank you.

Then the next tray the 407 sponges and some floss on top

I’m still a bit confused what “floss” I should buy to be honest. I keep hearing It’s good, but I’m lost about what to get.

Thank you

 

I get the Roll of quilt batting from Walmart. You can buy it on Amazon too. You just cut it to fit and it lasts a long time. It catches the particles to keep the water cleaner.
Like this.
https://www.amazon.com/Fairfield-X45B-Bonded-Polyester-Batting/dp/B003SBK5SU/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3NQH1UVCXKQ32&keywords=quilt+batting&qid=1654958900&sprefix=quilt+,aps,321&sr=8-7

 

I get the Roll of quilt batting from Walmart. You can buy it on Amazon too. You just cut it to fit and it lasts a long time. It catches the particles to keep the water cleaner.
Like this.
https://www.amazon.com/Fairfield-X45B-Bonded-Polyester-Batting/dp/B003SBK5SU/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3NQH1UVCXKQ32&keywords=quilt+batting&qid=1654958900&sprefix=quilt+,aps,321&sr=8-7

Lovely thank you. Just rinse as normal, during a filter clean, and it’ll last as you say?

 

Lovely thank you. Just rinse as normal, during a filter clean, and it’ll last as you say?

I rinse the media in tank water but replace the floss every time I clean the filter. You will see why the first time. It will be really gross and brown.

 

I rinse the media in tank water but replace the floss every time I clean the filter. You will see why the first time. It will be really gross and brown.

Thanks if it goes gross/brown and clogs, wouldn’t that stop the flow to the other media?

 

It can but you will know if it is getting clogged because the filter will slow just like every other filter. Water will still flow through to the other media.

 

It can but you will know if it is getting clogged because the filter will slow just like every other filter. Water will still flow through to the other media.

Ah ok. Thank you again.