HELP!!!!

[vaquero]

Ok I just did a WC in my 55 gallon. When I went to shake out the filter in the dirty water, it just fell apart on me. I did have two new filters so I had to put in a new one where the old one fell apart( i had to throw it away), and then had to put another one in the other side. In the other side I did put the old filter( its falling apart too) behind it so I have some good bacteria in it. But the water flow in that side has gone down, is it ok?????? I will be testing the water in about an hour but I'm concerned about the bacteria levels, I don't want to be re cycling the tank if this is whats going to happen. Please Help!!!!!!! Oh and it is a TopFin 60 system

 

[Mrc8858]

You'll be fine. Unless its heavily stocked I doubt you'll see any spikes or anything.

 

[vaquero]

Can I just take out the old filter to get the water flow back to where it should be??? I have heard to use the old filter in it to help build up bacteria in the new filters, but for how long should I do this?

 

[Mrc8858]

I would leave the old filter in for a few days then remove it. Whats your stock list like?

 

[vaquero]

I would leave the old filter in for a few days then remove it. Whats your stock list like?

55 gallon tank with three 3" Balas, four 3 spot Gouramis 1.75", six Giant Danios 2", two Striped Raphael catfish, and eight Danio fry about 3/4"

 

[shellieca]

When I've had to change my filter pad, I rinse the new one in old tank water 1st & so far I've not had any mini cycles or at least nothing that registered. I will test my water for the next 7 days to be sure.

 

[vaquero]

Duh I should have done that, just rinsed it in tap water. Oh well too late for the right way. I will be keeping a careful eye on the levels all week. Thanks for the info

 

[vaquero]

So the numbers are just right. 0 nitrites, 0 nitrates, 0 Ammonia, Ph7.2. Just wondering if my tank will go into a mini cycle with the new filter's in it.

 

[shellieca]

So the numbers are just right. 0 nitrites, 0 nitrates, 0 Ammonia, Ph7.2. Just wondering if my tank will go into a mini cycle with the new filter's in it.

It's always possible that's why I keep a close eye on it for a week or two.