A new filter for better discussion organization

[prowrite]

I'm having some issues with my new filter. I had to replace my old one because it just stopped working. I got a Fluval U1 and now the water's all cloudy. I'm worried this is gonna harm my fish.

[sSjey]

The cloudy water itself isn't the main issue, it's what's happening behind the scenes that could be problematic. If you discarded the old media, you might be facing an ammonia or nitrite spike, which would be detrimental to your fish. Have you taken the time to test the water for these parameters?

When transitioning to a new filter, it's generally a good idea to transfer as much of the old media as possible to the new one. This helps preserve the beneficial bacteria that have built up over time.

[prowrite]

I have very different filters now. The old CF1 can't be taken apart, so I was wondering if I can squeeze the water from the cartridges into the new filter or the tank water. This way, I can try to save some of the beneficial bacteria.

[sSjey]

Looking at photos of the two filters, I see a cartridge and green pad in the CF1, while the U1 has a single foam. If you hold the cartridge and green pad against each side of the U1 foam, do you think you can slide them together into the filter?

[prowrite]

The cloudy water itself isn't the main issue, it's what's happening behind the scenes that could be problematic. If you discarded the old media, you might be facing an ammonia or nitrite spike, which would be detrimental to your fish. Have you taken the time to test the water for these parameters?

When transitioning to a new filter, it's generally a good idea to transfer as much of the old media as possible to the new one. This helps preserve the beneficial bacteria that have built up over time.

I like the thinking, but the CF1 cartridges are way too big, width-wise, and can't be broken down to fit the U1.

[sSjey]

If the cartridges contain activated carbon, you can cut them open and discard the carbon. Next, cut the bag section from the frame and squeeze as much of it into the new filter as you can, even if you need to cut it into smaller pieces to fit.

[prowrite]

The cloudy water itself isn't the main issue, it's what's happening behind the scenes that could be problematic. If you discarded the old media, you might be facing an ammonia or nitrite spike, which would be detrimental to your fish. Have you taken the time to test the water for these parameters?

When transitioning to a new filter, it's generally a good idea to transfer as much of the old media as possible to the new one. This helps preserve the beneficial bacteria that have built up over time.

Will give it a go, thanks. I was thinking of just squeezing the cartridges into the tank water instead, would that work, or is it better to put it in the new filter and let it clear the water that way?

[sSjey]

Squeezing the media isn't going to release much of the biofilm, as it's tightly bound to the surfaces. We've all squeezed media in old tank water when washing, and hardly any bacteria are lost. That's why it's always best to use the actual media from the old filter if possible.