How Long Should I Run A Second Filter Before Removing The First

[fredmertz]

I have a canister filter that is lousy with snails and I thought it might be a good idea to run a second filter on the tank for a bit so I could take the first filter off and give it a thorough cleaning that would likely kill all the bacteria.

It is a 75-gallon tank.

How long do you think I should run both filters together before safely taking the first filter off to clean?

And recommendations for a short-term, inexpensive wheel filter for a 75-gallon tank?

 

[Mrc8858]

Penguin 350 is pretty good imo and I would run the second filter for 2-4 weeks

 

[thomasina]

I went from a Penguin to an Aquaclear. I ran both filters for about two weeks. It went smooth and well. I love the ceramic rings of the Aquaclear because I can take all the the filtering stuff out, cleaning the filter, but new stuff in, rinse out the rings in old tank water, put the rings back in and loose none of the bacteria. At the moment I am using poly floss and Purigen in the filter and the rings. I have crystal clear water. Good luck!