I currently have an under gravel filtration system in my small 40L tank. I would like to change to a power filter system that hangs on side of tank. I don't want to uproot my entire tank. Should I run the two systems simultaneously for a while? Can I leave the plastic grid of the under gravel filter in the gravel once I disconnect the pump? Any suggestions would be apreciated!How do I change from an undergravel filter system to a Hang on tank power fileter system.?Run both systems for about 2 weeks. This will let the good bacteria build up in the new filter. Then take the old one completely out. You may experience a mini cycle, but nothing drastic.
You can herd the fish into a small container while you get everything out. You probably want to vacuum and do at water change at the same time, this will kick up a lot of debris.How do I change from an undergravel filter system to a Hang on tank power fileter system.?The UG filter will need to be removed, detritus will build up under to UG causing high ammonia levels.How do I change from an undergravel filter system to a Hang on tank power fileter system.?Just change it completely next time you clean out your tank. The hubby and I did that for our tetras, they didn't really like the undergravel system and neither did we, so we changed to a very small filter that hangs on the side of the tank.
Oh, and the tank is 2 gallons.
EDIT- Leave them in. Use a syphon (sp?) Make sure to add some salt (Specifically for fish tanks, read the label to make sure how much) so that your fish don't get stressed out and get ick.How do I change from an undergravel filter system to a Hang on tank power fileter system.?I left the plastic mat under the gravel, but removed the uplifters.
Yes it's a good idea to keep the UG running while the filter medium in the canister breaks in. Two weeks to be certain.
Edit: The reason I left the plastic mat in is all the cr@p is underneath it, (under gravel filter). If you are going to remove it you need to put your fish and tank water in a bucket or two first because it's going to be very messy. Mines been in the tank 4 years unused.How do I change from an undergravel filter system to a Hang on tank power fileter system.?You have to change the water with a siphon and get as much detrus out from under the undergravel as possible then remove it. Plan on massive water changes several times over the first several days because there is a lot of detris that has built up under your undergravel and that is why I hate and do not use these filters anymore. This will trash your aquairum though there isn't any other way to do it.
