Randa
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Went from a Marineland Penguin350 bio wheel in my 29 gallon tank and I wanted something that wasn't so loud so I got an Aquaclear 50. Before the filter change my ammonia and nitrites were always 0 but my nitrates were usually around 20 which was higher than I really would like but was still in the safe range. I have had the new filter up and running since Monday with the bio wheels and 1 filter media from the old filter in clean unused nylons to help get the new filter seeded (is that really necessary)?
Originally I read to do that, then some said to have both filters running at the same time but I don't have room for that on my tank without taking off the hood and I don't want that. So I thought I could keep parts of them in for a little bit and monitor water. I tested the water day before yesterday and again today and ammonia and nitrites are still at 0 but the nitrates are down to 5-10. That's a good thing right?!
Should I keep the old filter media in for a while longer or can I start removing them slowly or all at once?
Originally I read to do that, then some said to have both filters running at the same time but I don't have room for that on my tank without taking off the hood and I don't want that. So I thought I could keep parts of them in for a little bit and monitor water. I tested the water day before yesterday and again today and ammonia and nitrites are still at 0 but the nitrates are down to 5-10. That's a good thing right?!
Should I keep the old filter media in for a while longer or can I start removing them slowly or all at once?
