Upgrading old filtration system

by **Cross6236** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 1:02 am

I recently bought a complete 55 gal system (used) fish and all for $150. The filtration system is a (HOB) style. It's so old looking, I can't even find out who makes it. Anyways I went out today and bought a EHEIM External Canister Filter system. Boy I can see why everyone likes them. My question is should i leave the old system running for awile till the new system can develop it's own beneficial bacteria?

by **adehaan86** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 3:56 am

Yes, Leave it run as long as possible it will help with the new bacteria. Plus if anything it don't hurt, it may just look ugly for a bit. I would recommed at least a month if not a touch over. It may be a little long but better then a little short.

by **zambize** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 4:48 am

Definitely keep it running for as long as you can. Personally, I like to keep two filters running all the time. If one craps out, and it has happened, I still have one running, and my tanks are sparkling all the time. I also have an "extra" filter any time I want to use one to seed a new tank, and I use this method to rapid cycle new tanks frequently. I just cycled a tank in 5 days borrowing an existing filter and a few handfuls of substrate from a long-running tank along with the product "Cycle".

Z

by **Cross6236** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 9:29 am

Hey thanks for the info you two. It's been about 20 years since I had to get out of the hobby. Now that the kids are grown, i've got the room and the time to get back into the hobby. Who knows I might just do like Terry Bradshaw did in the movie Failure to Launch. Make me a naked room LOL (just kidding). Zambize you answered my next question also.I was thinking that I may have to get another one. I had it on by itself for a few hours and had good flow on one side, but the other side was a big dead spot

Upgrading old filtration system

4 posts