Just a question on my tank's filtration. I am currently running an AquaClear 200 but received from a friend an AquaClear 300 (twice the size) but my tank has cycled nicely and I am wondering how I can migrate to the 300 without crashing the cycle?

The filter media was running for about 12 weeks as well as the carbon insert but I now have a new carbon insert and new ammonia remover insert. I'm not sure what the correct protocol would be and if anyone can answer this for me - I'd be grateful.

Thanks
Jen

Can you fit both of them?

If you can run both of them at the same time for 2 months. When you see that the New filter has grown benificial baterial then you can remove the old one. Hope this helps!

Yes - I can run them both easily. Should I test the water more frequently while I run both? Or applying common sense will the smaller filter continue to keep the tank cycled while the new one just runs plain water through until it takes over the biological magic?

I'm learning (slowly)

You cannot cycle a filter running on plain water as the bacteria needs food which is ammonia to multiply. As proposed by Mr.Goldsfish, run the 2 filters for about a month and you should be able to cycle the new filter without much hassle. Once the new filter is established, you can then remove the old unit. After removal of the old filter, test for ammonia everyday for a week and if you do not see ammonia, your tank is cycled.
Cheers..........

you can just add the second filter, and you shouldn't have to worry about the tank cycle, as all the same beneficial bacteria are still cycling though the tank. Also, when you finally remove the smaller filter, you can add that filter media into the newer filter just in case, to ensure the bacteria stays with the cycled tank.

[/QUOTEAlso, when you finally remove the smaller filter, you can add that filter media into the newer filter just in case, to ensure the bacteria stays with the cycled tank.]



tweedlebugpicnic

The problom is the old filter media probulay won't fit in the new filter.

No - you're right, It won't fit but am running both filters now and my fish seem to love the added waterfall.

My thanks for the advice (I admit i was tossing up whether to run fresh water through but strangely common sense got the better of me )

Hope evreything turns out O.K