Adding a 2nd Filter

**givemean_a** · 10-04-2012, 03:38 PM

Hey Everyone! I've been reading a lot about multiple filtration and we actually have an extra filter that we "retired" when our LFS told us to get a biowheel filter to help when our cycle stalled. I have a 20g Long stocked w/ 3 platies, 3 cories, and 3 zebra danios. weekly water changes of 30-40% and my pH is steady at 6.5.

This may seem like a silly question but I don't want to mess up what's going well in my tank. Are there specific logistics to adding this new filter? New filter media, plug it in and go? Should I add some beneficial bacteria or will my bacteria from the other filter populate the new one?

Thanks everyone!

**Rocksor** · 10-04-2012, 03:49 PM

what type of filter is the retired filter?

**smaug** · 10-04-2012, 03:52 PM

If the filter you currently have running is doing the job and you do not intend to add more fish then what it can handle then there is no one benefitting from the additional filter but your electric provider.

**Lady Hobbs** · 10-04-2012, 04:01 PM

I run two filters on all my tanks including the 29 gallon. I like to have the second filter especially for when one needs cleaning. It also gives me a second filter all cycled and ready to go if I need to use my quarantine tank.

**givemean_a** · 10-04-2012, 04:08 PM

Our current filter is the MarineLand Penguin 150B, it is doing it's job, so I see what you're saying but I've also read a ton on this forum that you can't "over filter". The "retired" filter is the Tetra Whisper EX 30.

**givemean_a** · 10-04-2012, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by Lady Hobbs

I run two filters on all my tanks including the 29 gallon. I like to have the second filter especially for when one needs cleaning. It also gives me a second filter all cycled and ready to go if I need to use my quarantine tank.

So if I decide to bring the other filter out of retirement, is there a good practice on how to set it up so it doesn't effect the stable tank? Thanks in advance!

**Lady Hobbs** · 10-04-2012, 04:12 PM

Adding a second filter will have no affect on the cycle.

**givemean_a** · 10-04-2012, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by Lady Hobbs

Add a second filter will have no affect on the cycle.

+1

Thank you! Clearly I was over-thinking this. I'm a worried new fish keeper and just want to make sure I'm not going to do something that could throw off the tank balance that I know is delicate.