Hello, Yesterday I bought a new filter (used Eheim Pro II canister) and earlier in the day did a 40% water change. I didnt think about it and hooked up the Eheim and at the exact same time took out the two old crappy HOB filters that were on there. Now, what is left there is a bubble wand, powerhead and the Eheim and they cause a bit of current in the 55g. Its been more than 24 hours since this all happened, and just lately i noticed that the fish seemed to be breathing a little faster than usual. So im wondering if I should be worried about the bacteria or if the fish my just be adapting to the increased flow (and couple degree increase from more flow)? The tank is a planted tank with driftwood and plants and sand substrate, so is there enough BB on these objects to sustain? Any suggestions appreciated. I will check the fish in the morning
What are the chances of killing BB with filter change?
- Thread starter wonword
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tcarswell;2891647; said:
Im not sure, I bought them used a good while ago in a bundle. One uses size Large replacement filters by whisper. I didnt throw the filter that was being used in the HOB out yet, but im sure the cold and drying has killed the BB on it
The powerhead was running before and after the water change, but im guessing the flow rate is too high to retain BB within the filter, correct? Its a MaxiJet 900
Wow, I just realized how many mistakes I made today. Anyways, I thought I'd mention that I bought it used, and it was hooked up to the guys tank right before he unplugged it and met up with my brother, but I did dump the water our but didnt clean the filter media. So maybe, just maybe there is enough in there from his tank to start the culture fast.
Wow, I think you've figured out most of what you did wrong, and what you will and won't do next time right?, so we will move on. 
As tcarswell said do water changes every two days till you see an improvement in water quality from the filter, your basically starting over re-cycling the filter.
How long was the filter down before you got it from your brother?
Just a note, the bacteria on the plants and substrate will be of only little help and will not sustain the tank during re-cycling of the filter without W/Cs. The bacteria needed for the nitrogen cycle are not as a general rule suspended in the water column, they grow on surfaces in water flow areas and their hold on the surface is rather tenacious.
Keep us posted, and expect an algae bloom if your lucky (it will help with biological filtering).
Dr Joe
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As tcarswell said do water changes every two days till you see an improvement in water quality from the filter, your basically starting over re-cycling the filter.
How long was the filter down before you got it from your brother?
Just a note, the bacteria on the plants and substrate will be of only little help and will not sustain the tank during re-cycling of the filter without W/Cs. The bacteria needed for the nitrogen cycle are not as a general rule suspended in the water column, they grow on surfaces in water flow areas and their hold on the surface is rather tenacious.
Keep us posted, and expect an algae bloom if your lucky (it will help with biological filtering).
Dr Joe
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Sometimes, aquariasts are forced into situations where the bacterial population of their biofilter is compromised. For example, let's say that you have to medicate with an antibiotic. I would recommend that you get a bottle of Seachem Stability and reinoculate your tank. This will get you over the hump. Just make sure that you mix very well.
The Beneficial Bacteria were in the filters you chucked.
You are starting all over again.
^Said above, but bears repeating.
You are starting all over again.
^Said above, but bears repeating.
Thanks guys. I just got home from my midterm, and they are breathing normally again. So maybe, the bacteria in the eheim from the other guys tank was still good? It was only a couple hours, or less between switching from his tank to ours. Ill keep an eye on it!
They other thing id like to mention is that every couple weeks when I do water changes with the old filters, id chuck and replace all the media and sometimes scrub the filters, coupled with a 40-50% water change. My fish have always been healthy, the dats stable for the most part. So maybe there is sufficient BB in the water column to restart the culture, or maybe its because I have alot of surface area with large rocks, driftwood, plants and sand? Im sure the fairly slow flow rate of the old HOB filters helped also.