Swapping filters

[TomO]

I have been running a small sponge filter in my 55 along with a large sponge filter to season the small filter for my soon to set up shrimp tank. I’ll be replacing both filters with two medium co-op sponge filters because the large filter is a fine sponge and I have to clean it so often.  The 55 gallon tank has been set up for 5 years. It’s planted and only has two angels two tetras and 5 panda corys. So the bio load isn’t that much.

 

Heres my question. Should I put fresh sponge filters both at the same time, or just replace one filter at a time? And when I start my shrimp tank, and use the small filter, should I squeeze out the sponge into the tank to spread out the bacteria?

[Guppysnail]

On 6/6/2022 at 4:39 AM, TomO said:

I have been running a small sponge filter in my 55 along with a large sponge filter to season the small filter for my soon to set up shrimp tank. I’ll be replacing both filters with two medium co-op sponge filters because the large filter is a fine sponge and I have to clean it so often.  The 55 gallon tank has been set up for 5 years. It’s planted and only has two angels two tetras and 5 panda corys. So the bio load isn’t that much.

 

Heres my question. Should I put fresh sponge filters both at the same time, or just replace one filter at a time? And when I start my shrimp tank, and use the small filter, should I squeeze out the sponge into the tank to spread out the bacteria?

I would add both new filters and run it for 2-3 weeks then pull the other ones. That how I have done it in the past. I always squeeze out my sponge filters into to the new tank to spread everything about. 

[TomO]

Thanks for the sage advice.

A great man is never afraid to be little - Emersen