I am upgrading my external Canister filter in my Red Belly Piranha Tank. I'm wondering the best way to maintain my bacteria etc. I am thinking I will take the foam inserts from my old one and cut them to fit in the new one. I'm going from a Filstar XL to a Fluval FX6. So it's square to round.
Upgrading Filters. Best way to keep my bio filter up?
- Thread starter Vanica
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You could also simply have them run in parallel for a month or so.
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Yes, you could move the foam inserts, or any other biological media - but if it was me I would do what HarleyK said. Let them run together for about a month.
Then yes, move the inserts. They will have the vast majority of the beneficial bacteria. BUT, test your water each day (ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates) just to make sure your tank does not go through a mini cycle, or at worst re-cycle. If that does begin to occur then you need to start doing daily water changes (or more), or at least get something like Seachem Stability. The Stability product is basically "bacteria in a bottle." It helps to establish the nitrogen cycle very quickly. I have used it in the past with great success.
Yes I have a bunch of the bacteria-in-a-bottle. and I will be checking the water daily for sure. Thanks guys.
I did the same thing; XPL to FX5. Pretty sure that as long as you do it quickly and don't let the media dry you'll be fine. the bacteria won't know they were moved.