Used filter media

[gordonmull]

Hi folks, new to the forum. Not really a MONSTER fish keeper yet but give me time! Love the tone of this forum so i thought it the best place to ask.

I just got a 140L tank today, second hand, big jump up for me from my wee 60L! Still debating with my wife, who's been bitten by the bug as much as me, on substrate, fish, planting etc.

My question is this. We looked at the tank tonight, full, running and went back an hour later to collect it empty. I've popped the filter cartridges in my 60L, hoping to preserve the bacteria. Will it be ok in there?

My concern is that without much water flow and bio load the filter bacteria might start to die off anyway, dumping a load of nastiness into the 60L. There was only one 8" cichlid in the 140L, before he got the short sharp shrift when we collected it, and I have 16 x 2" fish, 10 cherry shrimp and 4 amanos in the 60L. (Still just a Micro Fish Keeper).

I think it will probably be fine but want to make sure.

 

[bbortko]

If the cichlid that was in the tank seemed healthy you'll probably be fine. If you're replacing your old tank it is better to thoroughly clean the new tank and use your old filter in conjunction with the new filter when you move fish to the new set up.

 

[brich999]

id just cycle the tank when its all done. i wouldnt hassle with trying to save BB, just use a little media or move a filter from your setup to the new one and it will cycle fast

 

[gordonmull]

Sorry I should have said - the filter on the 60L is an HOB Marina S15 and the filter with the new tank is a fluval U2, so probably not compatable? I'm not upgrading, just adding to the collection, and, really, just being a cheapskate. I don't want to shell out for new filter pads if I don't have to. It's going to be pricey enough with plants, fish and replacing the bright blue gravel with something a little more tasteful.