how to change to another filter?

[dannii]

hi, i was just wanting some advice on the best way to change to a another filter in my tank, at the moment i have and internal filter but i want to change to an external. what is the best way to go about this without the risk of killing my fish?

thanks

 

[mattrox]

You can put a sponge from the internal into the canister. That will help seed the filter. And there are some products that help speed up the cycle eg "Safe Start". Not sure how effecive they are though?

 

[dannii]

would it be better to transfer all the internal filter sponges (2) and the ceramic rings over and in theory it would be still like having not changed anything. (i know that might sound silly)

 

[mattrox]

That would be ideal.

Or just run the canister along with the internal and remove the interal later.

 

[dannii]

how long would i keep them both running together for.

 

[mattrox]

6-8 weeks to be sure. You can squeeze out the sponges from the internal into the canister filter media to give it a head start too.

 

[Mark Hewitt]

Yep squeeze out the old sponges then leave the old filter running for at least a month to be sure. Test the water daily after the removal to ensure the new filter is coping.