How Long To Run Existing Filters?

[angel]

Speaking of tinkering, I have NO capability when it comes to building setting up, but I've got Dennis somewhat motivated to put in the linear piston pump air system we bought from Jon. How's your new one working out, Jon? Anyway, here's the question(s):
In well-established tanks, once I'm running the sponge filters do I still need to run the existing hang-on filters? I'm intending to do so in newer setups and tanks with troubles for sure.
And if so, for how long should I run them before removing them and saving money on the new system only?

[mruble]

Tina,
I would run the HOB filters for at least a couple of weeks to ensure the sponge filters have established a good amount of nitrifying bacteria. I would also perform daily ammonia tests for a few days after removing the HOB filters from service. Hate for you to have any more casualties. Also, JEHMCO has air valves on sale for .85 cents right now. These valves can be screwed directly into PVC without any difficulty.

[angel]

I bought 40 of them from Jehmco. Nice guy! And a roll of air tubing and a tap and an extra filter for the unit. They got here fast. In fact, I need to do a review for him if no one else has. I was impressed!

[mruble]

Tina,
Deja Vu! When I did my order a while back thru JEHMCO I bought 40 also. What size of PVC are you planning on using? My PVC pipe is all 1/2".

[jon carman]

What size sponge did you get?
Remember the depth of your tanks effect how many filters you can run. I would also say at least two weeks- it wouldn't hurt to do a couple more. Also if you have a sponge on the HOB you can get a bucket, squeeze them out in clean cycled water and soak that water up with the new sponge before you put it in the tank. If you have any questions call me. Before you get it set up you might want to clean the air filter on it. You unscrew the top and wash out the filter. Don't put it back in until it is dry. Do it once every 6 months.

[razer27]

i always run my old filter 4 to 6 weeks and do more water changes for a few more weeks. try to put the sponges in the power filters or on the intake tubes if you can if not place em in the tank and let em float around until you get the system hooked up nothing will motivate him more than a ugly sponge floating around the tank

[angel]

I bought a second filter. That way I can put the clean one in and clean out the old air filter really well for next time. I never thought of squeezing the sponge from the HOB filter to seed the new one. Great idea!!
I remembered the depth of the tank will affect how many can be run. Dennis didn't. So he wanted two outlets for each tank. However, I can shut them off when they don't work! I mentioned the depth thing but he wanted them anyway so any more out of me would be nagging, right?

[angel]

Ha! I've had seeded sponges floating in tanks forever! Dennis doesn't care what they look like! But I do. I wanted to keep them for seeding new tanks, though, and have stuffed most of them into two diatomous earth filters to make canister filters out of them. So now I think there's only one or two floating.

[angel]

Mark, I got 3/4" pvc. It was the recommended for this unit. Also, got a tip from Rick the EMS that couldn't make it to the swap. Went to Lowe's and picked these out with him--in the conduit section there are gray pipes. Some of them curve instead of right angle. He said it would increase airflow, and that makes sense since the air doesn't slam against a wall and then have to turn a 90 degree angle. Dennis has got them all put together except he's missing one piece so he's back at the hardware store. I'm so excited! It might be tomorrow or even Saturday before he gets it drilled and running but it's up and that's a big step.

[angel]

Oh, and sponge size--I got
sponge#2 $5.50/4.50 6 Hydro Sponge Filter #2
sponge#3 $6.00/5.00 2 Hydro Sponge Filter #3
sponge#4 $6.75/5.75 12 Hydro Sponge Filter #4

That's only 20 sponges to run. Dennis was wanting airstones for the other outlets. I also told him about the airstones making the green on canopies but deaf ears. He thinks they'll need them. We have air pumps and some powerheads even if we put extra air in tanks we could do all or most of it with those.

[fishme]

You been holding out, Tina. I had no idea you bought Jon's pump system. Well, you know the rule....lots of pictures so dummies like me can learn something. Congratulations. I know when you get it running, this is going to make your fish room even better.

[razer27]

you don't need the sweeps (curved conduit) b/c once the pipe is full of air the pressure will balance out (static pressure) the only thing that will increase air flow is a shorter distance or a larger pipe sweeps also cost more are harder to fit and the outside wall of the fitting is thin if you didn't use them i would take them back and get short radius 90's if you have any questions about pipe i can hook you up its what i do for a living

[angel]

Dang he used them already! But if it doesn't work out we'll have to start over, right?
We'll do pictures fishme. I'll try to get some tomorrow . Took a bunch of pics of fish and havent posted yet but i'm beat!

[razer27]

i know the sweeps couldn't of been cheap i don't see any reason it wont work looking forward to seeing the pics when you get them posted

[fishme]

Hey Tina....how's it going with the linear pump system?