Removing established filter.

So I cycled my 20 gal with a very small sponge filter, and as I added more fish I got a larger filter in hopes the bacteria would multiply more on a larger surface area. Both have been running in the tank for about a month. I was wondering if it’d be safe for the smaller established filter to be removed, as I really need the airpump it’s using since I’m a bit short on cash at the moment. I could keep the sponge itself in the tank..just need the airpump.

 

Likely you'll be fine without it. Just monitor ammonia every couple of days for a while.

 

Please correct me if I am wrong, but both are sponge filters? You could stack the sponge filters, running them on one pump.

 

So I cycled my 20 gal with a very small sponge filter, and as I added more fish I got a larger filter in hopes the bacteria would multiply more on a larger surface area. Both have been running in the tank for about a month. I was wondering if it’d be safe for the smaller established filter to be removed, as I really need the airpump it’s using since I’m a bit short on cash at the moment. I could keep the sponge itself in the tank..just need the airpump.

You can try removing it temporarily, placing it in a bucket of water and monitor the parameters. If things are fine, then your removal is fine. Otherwise you can just put the filter back in.

 

If it were me I'd just remove it. If your cycle is established, your nitrifying bacteria is everywhere in the tank, not just on the filter and should be fine. Test the water as was said just to be cautious, but your beneficial bacteria should be in the substrate, on plants and surfaces and on the glass also. Worst case if you knock the colony down significantly, and ammonia or nitrites go up, a water change will bring it down.

 

Thank you very much everyone. I think I‘ll just remove it and keep it running for a few days in another tank, just in case. And of course I’ll be testing the water daily as well.

Please correct me if I am wrong, but both are sponge filters? You could stack the sponge filters, running them on one pump.

That’s a good idea, never even thought about that. I think I’ll do this if I see a spike. Not sure how to go about doing it though. Would I just put the sponge itself ontop of the other one? Or run the airline tubing through both?

 

A standard shape sponge filter can be stacked by clicking the filter apart top and bottom. The middle section of plastic tube clicks on to the other tube very easily , but it’s hard to explain . Only the one base and lift tube are used.

 

Thank you! I think I understand. I’ll have to try that when I get home later.