Dead Filter Motor

[Karegg]

The motor went out on the Hagen Aquaclear Power 30 filter I had on our 10 gallon. What's the best way to ensure the bacteria in the filter stays safe for a few days while I get a new filter? Also, do I have to get the same filter again to put the same filter media in, or if I switch filters is there a way to get the bacteria transferred quickly without going through a cycle and harming the fish?

 

[Egress]

The motor went out

Are you sure the motor is really dead? If you let enough gunk build up in the impeller well, the filter will not restart after being turned off.

What's the best way to ensure the bacteria in the filter stays safe

Take any media out of the filter and place it in your aquarium.

If I switch filters is there a way to get the bacteria transferred quickly

You can place the old media inside your new filter with some new media. Over time some bacteria will populate the new media. You can speed this along a bit by squeezing out the old sponge in the aquarium. Any bacteria living on the ceramic media may be slower to migrate.