Hello all - I am new to the fish tank world and recently set-up a 55 gallon tank. I am in the midst of doing a fish less cycle (currently building nitrates and nitrites) and wanted the advice of the community:
I currently have ONE marineland e-280 filter for the tank. after reading multiple posts and articles, I think getting a backup/second filter would be a good idea. Can I just the second filter to my tank during the cycle process? Will this addition impact the cycle anytime? If a decide to add the filter AFTER the cycle is complete...can I simply add this my tank? i.e. how will I know the bacteria will build up since the first tank will already be doing its job.
I am trying to avoid starting a second fishless cycle specifically for the back-up filter. Any suggestions or comments will be appreciated. Thanks!
I currently have ONE marineland e-280 filter for the tank. after reading multiple posts and articles, I think getting a backup/second filter would be a good idea. Can I just the second filter to my tank during the cycle process? Will this addition impact the cycle anytime? If a decide to add the filter AFTER the cycle is complete...can I simply add this my tank? i.e. how will I know the bacteria will build up since the first tank will already be doing its job.
I am trying to avoid starting a second fishless cycle specifically for the back-up filter. Any suggestions or comments will be appreciated. Thanks!