Filtration Upgrade

[MCL169]

Just ordered a Hydor 450 for my 55 gallon cichlid tank to upgrade the AC110 h.o.b filter. I also ordered new sponges for the Aqua Clear. 10 small cichlids recently added to a tank that has been running about a month. My question is how should I handle the upgrade? Do I just put new sponge in Ac filter and dump the old or put old sponge in hydro or just use Hydor etc... It's my first canister. I ordered the recommended media refills on Amazon but any additional media recommendations for my cichlid tank appreciated.

 

[tlindsey]

Just ordered a Hydor 450 for my 55 gallon cichlid tank to upgrade the AC110 h.o.b filter. I also ordered new sponges for the Aqua Clear. 10 small cichlids recently added to a tank that has been running about a month. My question is how should I handle the upgrade? Do I just put new sponge in Ac filter and dump the old or put old sponge in hydro or just use Hydor etc... It's my first canister. I ordered the recommended media refills on Amazon but any additional media recommendations for my cichlid tank appreciated.

Place the old sponge from the 110 in the Hydor this will help speed the cycle of the new filter. I personally would leave the original Biomax in the 110 and add a new filter.