Replacing filters

Lady Friesian · Post by **Lady Friesian** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 12:43 pm

Sorry if this is already answered, but I couldn't find anything in my searches.

The power filter on my Amano shrimp/apple snail tank is dying a painful death

, so I decided to replace it with a sponge filter so I can hopefully start a cherry shrimp colony. Right now I have both running. How do I know when it's safe to take the power filter off and rely on the new sponge filter?

There are plants and oak leaves in the tank to help eliminate any nitrogen spikes.

Thanks for reading!

badflash · Post by **badflash** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 1:21 pm

I'd give it a week just to be safe. If you take the filter off the old one and swish it around in the tank, that will help move the bacteria onto the new filter much faster. When I start new tanks, that is what I do and the next day I'm ready to add critters.

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 6:30 pm

I think we are calling that the "Swish Method" now

!

starrystarstarr · Post by **starrystarstarr** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 6:40 pm

I was wondering the same thing. Just bought a new sponge filter and just waiting for it to come in.

Lady Friesian · Post by **Lady Friesian** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 7:34 pm

Thanks for the help, and glad someone else can use the info!

I'm getting my cherries as soon as college lets out for the summer, and am so excited!

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 11:01 pm

Let us know how you do with the cherries