old filter with new tank??

Question

me again, i want to use the same filter, so should i just fill new tank with water, when can i put the filter with the new tank, should i put it in the same day i transfer fish

Answer 1

Yes - if you put the filter on before you transfer the fish, your bacteria will have no ammonia source and starve and begin to die off. If you put the fish in before the filter then there will be no bacteria and ammonia levels will appear.

On the other hand, if you transfer the filter and fish at the same time, you will have ammona being produced, plus bacteria in the tank, and the result is nothing at all - the tank will keep functioning.

I've upgraded tanks many times like you are and I've never had the slightest spike of ammonia or nitrites, and the tank has never had to cycle again, and the fish have never become ill.

Answer 2

You do it the same day. Whenever I have done it I would move any decorations from the old tank into the new tank then move the filter over so it's over there working while I try and catch the fish from the old tank. Just make sure you have added the chlorine remover to the new tanks water before you add anything from the old tank so you don't kill off any beneficial bacteria and that the temp is correct.

Don't wait too long to add the fish to the new tank after you have removed the filter. Keeping the fish in a tank with no filter is going to make your ammonia rise very fast and you could lose fish. The only thing that needs to be in the new tank for a while before you start adding the filter and the fish is a heater to make sure the temp is the same as the old tank.

Answer 3

when your starting another tank you should use the same filter and cartridge. you see the filter is what holds all the precious bateria that your fish have live in. by doing this you will save alot of that bateria that the fish need. i know it sounds gross to use a dirty filter that is already used on a new tank but just give it a couple of days depending on how dirty the cartridge is. after you set up the tank you should test the chemicals after the filter has ran for a good hour or so but for the fish i would wait 24 hours and make sure the temp is the exact same way as the other tank was or you will shock them and kill em.......hope this helps

Answer 4

If it is a power filter with two or more sponges, I have heard it is best to clean half of it (usually in a bucket of a water from your tank). When I did have fish I would use old in new all the time, its just important to let the water condition itself a bit. Your old filter cleaned in tank water would have good established bacteria, but like someone said I would run the tank for a day before putting fish in. They can survive in old tank without a filter for a day or more quite easily. I haven't got round to putting one in my fish pond and they are the fastest growing fish I have ever had! (course my tanks were always tropicals).

Answer 5

You'll give the fish less stress if you keep 1/3 of the water from the old tank (plus the old filter) and put in only enough water to keep the works running. Then add a little more water in a few days to top it off. I've done both (completely replacing water vs. 1/3) and didn't lose fish either way, but the fish in the partially older water were clearly happier healthwise.

Answer 6

Yes, just fill your new tank with water of very near the same temperature as the old tank, move the filter and then move the fish... all in the same day will work great.

MM

Answer 7

In a new tank, you should get it completely set up and running, filter and all, for at least 48 hours before introducing fish. This will let the water and it's PH stabilize so the fish don't get shocked too badly. Introduce a catfish into it after 24 hours, If it's still alive after another 24, your tank should be safe for more expensive fish.

Answer 8

just clean the filter with water and then put in the filter.. =)

Answer 9

No! Put it in first, then put the fish in the next day!