New filter

[Kerry1968]

I wasn't sure where to post this, hope this is ok!

I have acquired a new bigger filter for my tank, the one I've been using is too small (as you may know from my previous post). I have only had my tank set up a couple of weeks, (even though my small filter was used with goldfish for about a year before I used it for my Axies) and I know it is more than likely still 'settling down'. I have put the bigger filter into the the tank with my Axies as well as the small one, so now I have both filters running (don't worry there isn't much water movement from either pump!) I'm hoping that keeping the old filter running as well as the new one will mean that gradually the new one will collect the good bacteria so that eventually I can 'retire' my old one. Are you following me? Sorry if I'm confusing the heck out of you! Do you think I've done the right thing to introduce the new filter alongside the old one? I'm hoping so! Lexi and Lottie my Akies seem happy with the set-up, the new filter is a lot bigger and gives them some thing else to hide behind! Thanks once again for being here, Kerry.

 

[moony1988]

Hi Kerry,

From what i have heard, that is what your supposed to do with a new filter. However i heard that from the pet shop owner who was selling me the new filter, and everyone knows how renown people who work in pet shops are for giving bad/wrong information in regards to axolotls.

Hope this reassures you a little!

Moony

 

[Daniel]

This way of handling a new filter is fine (although there should be lots of bacteria in the substrate, decoration, on plants etc.). Give the new filter some weeks to collect enough bacteria before removing the smaller one, so you are on the safe side.

 

[Kaysie]

Alternately, instead of running both filters, you could just 'float' the media from the old filter in the tank.

 

[Jacquie]

Alternately, instead of running both filters, you could just 'float' the media from the old filter in the tank.

Hi Kaysie,

I like this idea.

I am changing my filter from an internal to an external this weekend and have been wondering how to go about it.

My tank is 160 litres and has been fully cycled.

How long should the filter media from the old filter be left to float?

My axies are a bit too curious sometimes, should I put some kind of barrier to keep them from 'attacking' the floating sponge or playing with it?

Sorry for hijacking your thread Kerry!

 

[Kaysie]

If you're switching to a canister filter, and it's possible, try to integrate your old filter media into the new filter.

If you're not cleaning anything else, and just putting in a new filter, and your tank isn't severely overstocked, I wouldn't worry about trying to transfer the filter media too much. Bacteria live on all surfaces in the tank, not just the filter. They will colonize the filter pretty quickly.