switching from dual filters to a single sump fluidized filter.

I'm starting to research switching out out my canister & hob on my 80gal. fresh for a sump system with a fluidized sand bed. In the sump will reside my heater, UV and aquaripure. I want to centralize everything like on my 150gal. salt. My question is, would moving all/some of the ceramic media, (for a month/two), from the two existing filters to the new sump with the fluidized running help me make the switch over a clean one and maintain a good nitrogen cycle. Once I,(slowly) ,remove the ceramic from the sump I'll place the other equipment down there....Hmmm...? My API test kit will get a work out on this one! Any advice on this switch would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

Yes, it sure will. If you have fish in the tank and drop in those seeded media, it's basically instant cycle. The Bacteria should grow right away in the other media since it's already present. This method is probably the best way to start up a new filter even if it's a sump with one of those super cool fluidized sand bed thingies that make me jealous

 

I never did a fluidized but for the last two years I've been hearing more and more about it and this seems like a good time to try this contraption out. I'm worrying too much about it which is probably why I entered the post. I plan on getting all the equipment necessary in around a week from now. Any later ideas would be great.

 

I hear it's superior to normal wet/dry, not to mention there's thousand's of DIY videos on youtube on how to make one (though I wouldn't chance it).

Your transition should be pretty easy since you already have experience with sumps from your saltwater tank. Heck to me, setting up a sump is more worrisome then seeding a new cycle. Id just get some of your seeded material into the sump when you set up your equipment and just go on your way, I bet you won't even have a spike.

 

DIY is completely out of the question seeing that I live in an apartment building with a young family residing downstairs, I don't think they would appreciate a failed attempt on my part. I've seeded filters before but on smaller tanks & bioloads but with this one I was concerned about a large spike, however the more I consider it I don't think I should have much of a problem. I'll put all of the ceramic media in the sump then, like I said, slowly remove it with a lot of testing of levels. This fluidized is something I've never done before but I'm looking forward to learning from.