Changing to a new filter. HELP!!

[DIHSRN]

Hey everyone! This should be a pretty simple question for you guys, so I was wondering if I could get some help. I have a 37gal freshwater tank, that currently has an Eclipse series3 all in one hood and filter system. Tank looks good the fish have been doing great for over 2 yrs now, but the light fixture is crapping out on me and no replacement parts are available since the unit is discontinued. I am wanting to switch to a Fluval 206 or 306 cannister filter with a regular aquarium hood. If I run the fluval in conjunction with the current set up for a few weeks, will it take care of any cycling issues I would have if i just swapped filtration immediately?

 

[Oscar98]

Run the new filter with the old filter for about a month or so. That should give the new filter time to seed. Or take the media out of current filter and put it in new filter.

 

[DIHSRN]

Thanks for the reply! I've read that putting the old filter media into the new filter helps jump start things, but it has cartridges and a biowheel. So short of cutting them up I can't see how I could use the established matierial I have. My biggest concern is the safety of my fish, so I guess it will be just like you suggested. I'll end up running them in tandem for several weeks to a month.

 

[Oohitsae]

Cutting up the cartridge and bio wheel and just putting in the fabric/sponge/whatever it's called in the new filter would work just fine as long as you don't plan to use the old filter anymore.

I just had to do that last week, my aquaclear's motor burnt up on me so I had to try and move everything into a marine land penguin, cut up the old media and stuck it into all the nooks and crannies that I could, and haven't had any cycling issues yet.