Question: Swapping over filter type once tank is cycled

[Flee]

I have just set up my tank and done a fishless cycle my readings are goodish I have 0 ammonia, 0 - 0.25 Nitrite (looking more blue than the purple) and nitrate is 40..



My questions are:


1. I have a waterfall filter but just got a canister filter how is the best way of swapping them over without up setting the axies???


2. I haven’t brought my axies yet but really want to get them today (i have been waiting 4 weeks and ITS KILLING ME ) is the nitrite level safe enough yet???

 

[auntiejude]

If you are changing filters you can either run them together or move the filter medium. I am just changing over in my fish tank, so I have the new filter pump pushing water through the old filter an onto the new one to help colonise the new filter with good bacteria.

Once you add axies to the tank the cycle will have to adjust anyway, so as long as you keep an eye on your water quality you should be OK getting your axies now.
Do a 20-30% water change to get the nitrites and nitrates down a bit, then you're good to go.
The good bacteria will grow to the amount needed to cope with the change of occupants in a few weeks, but you may need to do extra water changes for the first few weeks as it settles down.

Good luck!

 

[Flee]

Thank you for answering.

I did get 3 axies yesterday and was running both filters but over night 1 little axie (dora) ended up in the old filter and we lost her and now I cant get that filter to run correctly.

We picked Dora as it liked to explor