Changing filter on newish tank

[chrisfraser05]

Having done some reading I've discovered my filter isn't nearly good enough for the tank.

The one I have is the Fluval 1 which is good for up to 45lt and my tank is 80!

I've ordered the U2 which will do up to 110lt and is 3 stage, carbon, sponge and Bio.

The question I have is seeings the tank is still reasonably new and at this point the sponge in my existing setup will contain most if not nearly all the bacteria whats my best option for swapping them out?

The way I see it I have 3 options,

1) just swap it and do daily water changes

2) use both filters for a week or two however put up with higher than normal currents and flow.

3) attach the sponge media from the existing filter to the intake on the new filter for a while.


What would you guys do?


Sorry for the high volume of threads I've put up the last few days, just want to keep my fishies safe lol


Chris

[Cliff]

I would personally keep both filters in the tank. Add the U2 when you get it and keep both in there.

The reason why I recommend this is because A) manufactures overstate their filter’s capabilities and B) you can never have too much filtration.

It will also help you to complete routine filter maintenance if you alternate between each filter.

Just my $.02

[dane]

Having done some reading I've discovered my filter isn't nearly good enough for the tank.

The one I have is the Fluval 1 which is good for up to 45lt and my tank is 80!

I've ordered the U2 which will do up to 110lt and is 3 stage, carbon, sponge and Bio.

The question I have is seeings the tank is still reasonably new and at this point the sponge in my existing setup will contain most if not nearly all the bacteria whats my best option for swapping them out?

The way I see it I have 3 options,

1) just swap it and do daily water changes

2) use both filters for a week or two however put up with higher than normal currents and flow.

3) attach the sponge media from the existing filter to the intake on the new filter for a while.


What would you guys do?


Sorry for the high volume of threads I've put up the last few days, just want to keep my fishies safe lol


Chris

i agree with cliff &

is it at all possible to get a power filter ? those internal filters don't filter the best

if there available i would get a Aquaclear 30 for your tank 1 it will filter so much better and 2 you wouldn't need to change out any media for years

[chrisfraser05]

good point.

My only concern there is the currents it may set up in the tank flowing 600lt an hour (possibly) in a 80lt tank.

I could arrange them to difuse eachother though I suppose, one facing the other or something.

[chrisfraser05]

i agree with cliff &

is it at all possible to get a power filter ? those internal filters don't filter the best

if there available i would get a Aquaclear 30 for your tank 1 it will filter so much better and 2 you wouldn't need to change out any media for years

Filters already on its way.

I might invest in one soon though, just couldn't justify the cost at the mo as we've only just got married and moved into our new house.

[Cliff]

You should be able to make a difuser pretty easy.

I have a fluval 4 in my 36 gallon. I took a pc of rubber like hose from that tightly fit into the out-put nossle. I placed the filter at one end of the tank and cut the hose so it would reach the other end. I then plugged the end of the other end hose and cut 5 holes in it, spaced out one inch apart starting at the end. I held the hose to the side of the tank with heater suction cups. I angled the hose so the holes point up-ward at a 45 degree angle.

This provided a lot of needed surface movement of the water to keep good levels of O2 in there as well as minimize the current in the tank.

If you can't get a another filter as Dane suggested, you could consider something like I did for my tank.

Hope I've helped

[chrisfraser05]

Thats spot on.

I did something similar to my air pump before getting an air stone.

I'll give that a go. Prob do it to both the filters too as I reckon the bubbles from the airstone are creating a fast enough current on their own!

[Cliff]

I was thinking about that as well.

You could place both filters at one side of the tank were they are the least visable. Run the hoses from both filters Right beside each other all the way across the back of the tank and to the other side of the tank near the front. You could then have the holes near the end which would give you the same type of current that a canister filter would have in your tank, straight accross the tank.

Just a suggestion.

[chrisfraser05]

I like that idea ;)

I think I'll do it but i'll have to make lots and lots of holes along the tube as I don't want to creat too much back pressure and damage the pumps.

Also will have to find some tubing now that fits lol

Another option would be to run the tube from the smaller filter under the gravel into the back of my little stone cave and have a small current coming out of there. Saves any debris settling there and makes cleaning easier!

The choices are endless I suppose!