30 Gallon Tank Upgrading filter

I am upgrading my aquatech 20- 40 to an aquatech 40 - 60 gallon HOB. It's all I can afford right now. The filter parts are interchangeable and I am wondering if I should put the bacteria plate from the old filter in the new filter for a month or so? I don't wanna crash my cycle. Is there any beneficial bacteria in the gravel and on the artificial plants and decor to keep the cycle maintained. I hate putting something old into the new filter but if that's the answer I will do it. I only have one fish right now and the tank has been cycled for 2 years. Thank you,
Joey

 

Yep, place the old filter media into the new filter to help maintain the water chemistry.

 

Yep, place the old filter media into the new filter to help maintain the water chemistry.

That's what I thought pagoda. Thank you for your reply!
Joey

 

No worries. The bulk..90% of the good bacteria..lives in the filter media, so when changing or upgrading filters always try to move the media across to enable the new media to takeover the bacteria production. The old media can stay in the new filter til it falls to bits.

 

The red bacteria plate in the old filter is easy to move but the actual filter pad that you replace monthly is already clogged and that's what I'm worried about moving over. Should I still move both pieces over or dump the old filter pad? It's the red plate that the instructions say holds all the bacteria but I'll move both if you think that's the way to go.

 

The red bacteria plate in the old filter is easy to move but the actual filter pad that you replace monthly is already clogged and that's what I'm worried about moving over. Should I still move both pieces over or dump the old filter pad? It's the red plate that the instructions say holds all the bacteria but I'll move both if you think that's the way to go.

Rinse it in aquarium water and then transfer it to the new filter. That will clear the bulk of muck without losing the bacteria.

 

Thank you!
Joey

 

There is no need to replace any parts of a filter for years. After a couple of hundred cleanings the cartridges will need replacement but that’s at least two years with some models. Alternatively replace the fabric cartridge with a chunk or slice of foam sponge and never replace it.

The instructions are trying to get money out of your pocket.

Bacteria lives on all hard surfaces in a tank including the glass and gravel.
All parts of a filter have bacteria on them including the plastic tube inside and out.
With just one fish you have only a small bio load. This means there’s only a small amount of bacteria. The bacteria decides where it wants to live. If there is food warmth and oxygen any hard surfaces can be a home.

Move as many hard surfaces over to the new tank. After a month you can start removing ornaments etc that you don’t want.

 

Flyfisha,
I am just getting a new filter, not switching tanks. So what you are saying is to just replace the filter as is and don't transfer any old media from the old filter because the tank and it's contents have enough bacteria since I only have one fish for the time being. I got sick 2 years ago and wasn't able to drive and get more fish but that's gonna change. Did I understand you correctly?
Joey

 

ok you are adding a new filter.
Sorry about the confusion, that was my mistake.

Add all the old parts of the old filter to the new filter and you will transfer most of the bacteria. Some bacteria is on the outside of the old filter and on the plastic uplift tube of the old filter.

With just one fish you should not have any problems.

I would suggest an extra water change in between your normal routine changes. Just change water. Don’t go cleaning any hard surfaces for a few weeks including the gravel and it should be fine.
You could also test your water every 3 or so days.

Currently you have enough bacteria for one fish.

 

ok you are adding a new filter.
Sorry about the confusion, that was my mistake.

Add all the old parts of the old filter to the new filter and you will transfer most of the bacteria. Some bacteria is on the outside of the old filter and on the plastic uplift tube of the old filter.

With just one fish you should not have any problems.

I would suggest an extra water change in between your normal routine changes. Just change water. Don’t go cleaning any hard surfaces for a few weeks including the gravel and it should be fine.
You could also test your water every 3 or so days.

Currently you have enough bacteria for one fish.

Thanks for clearing that up I'm sure everything's going to go smoothly have a great day
Joey