Tropical Fish Forum
Think Fish Tropical Fish Forum => Introductions and hello's => Topic started by: shakyj on January 16, 2017, 03:03:48 PM
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Hey,
I'm still fairly new to the tropical fishkeeping game but I'm on my second tank already. We had a 94L one and have a 300L one now.
Fish List:
1 x Spotted Hoplo - fully grown from the size of him
5 x Tiger Barbs - More to come
5 Mollys - 2 black, 2 orange ones, 1 sailfin
1 x Featherfin Synodontis - 6 months old but massive
1 x bristlenose plec
5 Ruby Barbs
1 Assassin Snail - I keep thinking he's gone then he pops up again
I have one question I started posting for I might as well put in here. We got a used 300L tank with a filter that the seller had new media for so I cycled with that but the filter is on it's way out by the sound of it(still running for now).
What's the best way to switch over to a new filter? Keep them both in till the bacteria settles on the new one?
On the same note too. Any opinions on the Fluval 406 Canister Filter?
Cheers
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Hi shaky, welcome to the forum :wave:
Fluval 406 is quite highly regarded as a cannister (external).
When swapping filters the easiest thing is to put all the older, mature media into the new filter. You will lose a few bacteria in the biofilm on the old filter's casing but that would only be a very small proportion of the total bacteria in the tank. Old sponges can be cut up to make them fit, if necessary.
Are you thinking of the 406 to replace the old filter? What is the failing one? I'm sure you can 'persuade' the old media to fit, especially if you leave out the carbon (which isn't necessary) and put some old media in its place if you need more room for the old media.
The problem with running 2 filters for a few weeks is that the bacteria are quite happy where they are, they won't move into the new filter just because it is there.
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Thanks for the welcome.
I couldn't tell you what the old one is. It looks off brand and old with no markings. So the 406 would replace it as I don't plan on stocking the tank to a high level enough to need something hefty and the 406 is rated to 400L
That could probably work if I can get the old media to replace what I can of the the 406 media then just add the 406 media in bit by bit every month.
I have a few weeks now as I don't plan on replacing the old one till payday unless it completely dies and needs must. Would it be a good idea to put some filter sponges in the tank for now to give me more to work with?
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Unless you put in sponges that you intend putting in the new filter when you get it, I wouldn't bother to be honest. Using old media is by far the most effective way.
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My local doesn't stock filters for larger tanks so I would have to travel to Stockport where I will get the 406 from to get some 406 filters for it to do that so I will probably just stick the media I have in now.
Thanks for the advice
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Hi there and welcome to the forum. :wave:
Multiple tanks already - you'll fit in well here. ;D
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Welcome, Shakyj! :wave:
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Hello, and welcome to the forum.
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Welcome to the forum.
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So I ended up just getting this (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002YEDZH0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and buying some new foams for it as the ones with it are all floss and one on each basket which is just weird. Nothing could even compete at that price when you are just looking at the hardware alone and not the media