How to Change Entire Filter?

[maniniboy]

I currently have an Aqueon Quietflow 10 on my 10 gallon tank but I want to swap it for an Aquaclear 30 to get more filtration and possibly keep my water clearer. I was wondering how I should go about switching filters without losing all my beneficial bacteria... I was thinking of just running both filters for a little while until the Aquaclear gets colonized, but how long would I do that for? Another idea I had was to put the filter media from my Aqueon into the Aquaclear for a little bit but I don't know if it will fit... Thanks

 

[Readingexcalibur]

I don't think the blue plastic piece will fit in the new filter. I would run them both for a few weeks. That would be a good option. Honestly, the bacteria is all over your aquarium and will act as a seed for the new filter. You probably would be fine just swapping them. Have you considered both all the time? I mean why not? I had this crazy Rena Xp3 canister on my 20 for 6 months when i first knew I wanted a big tank. I figured upgrade the filtration first haha.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Run the new filter next to the old for 2-4 weeks or you can cut up the old media and put it into the new filter. Either way watch for ammonia and nitrite spikes for a few weeks afterwards.