Bought a new filter, can I swap out the old right away?

[ccichc]

I bought a new sponge filter for my fry tank, but I have the tank divided because my aquaclear top back filter will suck them up. I'm wondering if I can just remove the aquaclear filter right away and leave the new sponge filter?

Will I have to wait for the new sponge filter to cycle? It's been in for about 3 days now.

Thanks

 

[Jexnell]

Yes you do have to wait, or you can put the bag of bio rings from the AC on top near the sponge filter so the current flows over the bag to still feed the BB in it and let them colonize the sponge filter.

 

[ccichc]

Yes you do have to wait, or you can put the bag of bio rings from the AC on top near the sponge filter so the current flows over the bag to still feed the BB in it and let them colonize the sponge filter.

How long do you think a hydro #4 sponge filter would take to cycle in a 29g full of pink convict fry?

 

[Jexnell]

Cycling a tank with fry probably not the best to do, they are weak and will die off to the higher than normal ammo/nitrite levels.

What I would do is go buy a replacement sponge for an AC50. Cut it half, hollow out a portion for the A.C. intake to fit in. Then keep running the A.C. while the sponge filter gets established.