Two Questions about filters

[Cichlid_Man]

Hey,
I currently have a Fluval 405 and a Penguin 350 on my 75 gallon cichld tank.
The Fluval has gone bad, the parts are expensive, so I am thinking of getting another Penguin.

Question 1.
Am I at risk of my cycle crashing if I replace the Fluval, or since the Penguin has been up and running for 3 months will there be enough bacteria to support the tank?
Question 2.
Is there a way to rig up the Penguins using filter floss and maybe some bio max in media bags instead of buying those cartridges?
Thanks!

[rollie]

if it been up and running for 3 months, there should be enought good bacteria to support the tank. but you should have 2 filters in the tank, but you know that.

[Cichlid_Man]

I thought so....

I just hate to have a cycle crash on me with so many beautiful Malawis!

[gm72]

Have you thought about getting a replacement canister? The Eheim 2028 would be awesome for that tank.

[rollie]

in a big tank like that , you should always have 2 filters going, why.
because if one break down you still got one filter working. if you only had one filter and it broke on the holiday, and you had to go 1 to 3 days with no filters, your fish might not be to happy with you. this is just my 2 cent worth.

[gm72]

Right, I didn't say anything about him getting rid of his existing Penguin 350. That's why I was specific in saying "replacement canister." :confused:

[rollie]

oh i know, it was not put there because of what you(gm72)said.

[gm72]

Oh, okay, I misunderstood. Sorry about that.

I do agree with you, two filters are always a good idea. Like you said, there's the backup idea but also it improves water flow. I had a big dead spot in my 40 long until I added the 2nd AC70. The only tanks I don't use dual filters on are my 10s.

[nanaglen2001]

I agree totaly with gm72

And two filters running at one tank isnt only great if one filter breaks, its also nice when you have to clean your filters.

One keeps the bacteria up, while the other is building them up, then after two or three weeks you clean the other.

[Cichlid_Man]

I am confused here.
I didn't say anything about only having 1 filter.
The Fluval is working but needs parts.
I want to change from the cannister type because the Penguin is simple to maintain and does a great job.

I was just asking if my water chemistry would be in danger when I took off the Fluval and added back another Penguin.

I am sure it'll be fine if I decide to go that route.

[Lady Hobbs]

Sorry your Fluval needs parts already Joe. Don't change out the filter media in your one HOTB you are currently using when adding another and it should be fine.

Hope you've been feeling better.

[gm72]

Agreed that you should be fine. Maybe you'll be able to add some of the canister media to the new Penguin (I don't know much about them so I'm not sure, but if you can you'd be better off doing so).

I do think that in a tank that size you'd be better off with a canister and a HOB. Maybe you just had a bad canister? My canisters only need maintenance about once every 6 months since I added sponge prefilters.

[Fishguy2727]

What needs to be replaced on the Fluval?