How long to run a New Filter

saleve · #1 12-14-2011, 03:07 PM

Hello,
I just bought an aquarium and at the store I was told that I had to run the filter for three weeks before introducing the goldfish to the tank. Could this be correct? I read all the instructions that came with the tank and filter and didn't see anything of the sort.
Any advice would be welcome!
Saleve

MRG2000 · #2 12-14-2011, 03:27 PM

Welcome to the forum.I think you might be looking for fish keeping forum ,not a fishing forum

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To answer your question biological filters need time to mature ,introducing fish to an aquarium,with an imature filter ,isn't ideal,time to mature ca vary ,depending on the size ,and filter materials in the filter ,and the filter size also.Do you have a water test kit ????

saleve · #3 12-14-2011, 04:11 PM

Thanks for your reply! First, yes, I seem to be on the wrong forum, but I appreciate your input. I do not really have anything in the way of water testing, etc. I just bought some goldfish for my kids and for the moment they are in a glass bowl. I got the aquarium and filter so that they could have more fish and I wouldn't have to change most of the water each week (it gets really dirty!). Are goldfish really that complicated, and doesn't three weeks seem a little much?
Thanks again.

MRG2000 · #4 12-14-2011, 04:15 PM

Goldfish are simple , you just need to keep the water fresh really , what filter do you have ??/

saleve · #5 12-14-2011, 04:29 PM

It's an organic filter. The brand is Hydor (Italian). I bought it in France.

MRG2000 · #6 12-14-2011, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saleve

It's an organic filter. The brand is Hydor (Italian). I bought it in France.

I`m assuming its an external power filter of the canister type , which will take several weeks to mature , a bit of overkill for goldfish in a small aquarium ..

saleve · #7 12-14-2011, 06:25 PM

Okay, I just took a better look at it and it's just a "sponge" and a little pump. I was warned that it had to work for three weeks because of the chemicals in the filter, but there doesn't seem to be any chemicals. Am I missing something? Thanks again.

MRG2000 · #8 12-14-2011, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saleve

Okay, I just took a better look at it and it's just a "sponge" and a little pump. I was warned that it had to work for three weeks because of the chemicals in the filter, but there doesn't seem to be any chemicals. Am I missing something? Thanks again.

It`ll take a few weeks for the bacteria to build up and mature...there are no chemicals involved ,just natural bacteria

saleve · #9 12-14-2011, 07:22 PM

Interesting. So, do I have to wait or can I put the fish in right away? Also, do you know if I have to replace the sponge on a regular basis?
Thanks again for all your help.

tjnorton · #10 12-14-2011, 07:41 PM

Is the sponge in two pieces or one?

Should have to replace the filters just clean the filter in old tank water fresh will kill the good bacteria. If you do need to replace the filter change only half at a time.

tj

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