New filter question

[jevousdeteste]

My 38 gal started leaking a few weeks ago, so my parents got me a 46 gal as an early Christmas present. Anyway, I set up the 46 gal on December 17th. I used new sand, but water and the filter from the 38 gal (Penguin 200B), and I put all of my old decorations into the new tank. The tank was cycled within a few days. Anyway, I just ordered a Fluval 304 from Big Al's to replace the Penguin.

My question: How do I prevent starting another cycle when I set up the Fluval?

 

[Toirtis]

Stuff the penguin media into one of the fluval's baskets for a few days.

 

[RoK]

Running the two filters together on the tank for a couple weeks would work as well.

 

[malkore]

Yep, either run the penguin media in the fluval for a couple weeks, or run both filters together, for 3 weeks.

Either way, go at least 2 weeks to ensure enough bacteria transfers. Re-using water isn't very effective, but gravel and tank decorations are loaded with bacteria for teh cycling process.