Switching to a Sponge Filter - questions

[scteel]

Hi all – I currently have a 5.5 gallon shrimp tank. It’s fully cycle and has been running great for almost 6 months. I am using an Aqueon quite flow 10 internal cartridge filter. I’d like to switch to a sponge filter as they are safer for the shrimp fry and the internal takes up a lot of space. I purchased a small sponge filter, air pump, and tubing, assembled it and added it to the tank. My question is, how long should I wait to remove the old internal filter? I assume 3-4 weeks? Can I remove the filter and just leave the cartridge in the tank, or keep the entire old filter running? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[Delapool]

I’d keep the old filter going for a few weeks at least. From memory a study on carbon found bacteria developing after several weeks so a month sounds good.