Inserting old filter media into new Canister Filter

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
C

crazychomp

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Aug 31, 2009
31
0
36
Orange County
Hello everyone! :nilly:

I'm new here and I just upgraded the tank to a 150 gal. with a Fluval FX5. My old setup is a 10 gal "hang-on type" filter. Where can I insert the old sponge type filter w. carbon in my new setup, so that I can quickly cycle my new tank? I thought about just hanging the filter over my new 150gal but the glass is TOO thick on the new one :grinno:

Can I just empty the filter bag of the active carbon and put it inside the FX5? Is that even a good idea?

Thanks everyone!

I hope some experienced aquarium owners can chime in - help would be greatly appreciated.

-Jeff
 
Personally... I would not reuse the carbon... but the "cloth" could definitely be used... I would wrap it around the intake and snap a rubber band around it to hold it in place. This way water being pulled into the FX5 filter through the old media (with bacteria) and will likely wash the bacteria up into the FX5...
 
In my experience the BB will recover quicker if they have light. Like I posted in your other thread, put it in an area of high flow like the intake of the FX5 or over it as nc_nutcase suggested. The canister is too dark I think.
 
Yes you can add the sponge, most all of us quick cycle this way. Just keep in mind that the bacteria from the sponge in a 10 gallon sized filter will not support a 150 gallon tank or FX5. The bacteria colony needs time (and food supply) in order to grow and divide. Are you adding the fish from the 10 gallon as well? Don't bother adding the carbon as it will be on no significant benefit.
 
@JK47

Yeah I am thinking about adding the fish too... he's only about six inches in a 150gal... I think the BB on the original filter will cover the ammonia for the time being... Plus I'm using Purigen in the FX5...
 
This is not at all to criticize the use of Purigen...

But when cycling a tank, using Purigen competes with bacteria for ammonia...

Therefore I would not use Purigen at first... wait for the tank to mature/cycle... and then when you add more fish add the Purigen...
 
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