LancsRick
Member
- Joined
- 18 Apr 2012
- Messages
- 683
Ok, well this isn't quite a ripdown since I'm hoping to leave at least the substrate intact, but here goes.
- I want to replant
- I need to remove the horrible Juwel textured background
- I need to remove the Juwel internal filter (more on that later)
As a result, I'm intending to empty the tank over the weekend and apply what I've learnt in the last couple of months.
The Plan:
- Water into storage containers, followed by livestock
- Uproot all plants, trim appropriately, into storage containers
- Leave enough water to keep the substrate covered in the tank, so as to avoid killing off the bacteria in the mulm
- Strip out background and filter
- Put in gravel tidy to keep cat litter in place, then gravel cap (gravel cap alone isn't doing the job)
- Replant
- Refill
- Hook up new external filters
- Livestock back in, job done!
Questions
1) Is my plan to keep the substrate bacteria alive sensible/viable/required?
2) I am moving from 1x Juwel internal filter (established) to 2x Eheim 2217 (not established). Given the massive difference in filter media volume, what's the best way to allow me to get up and running with these filters without risking my livestock? Split the Juwel media evenly between the Eheims and leave in for the first month of running? The Eheims have the standard layer of 2x blue sponge at bottom, 1x balls, 1x blue sponge (need to get myself some white fine sponges).
Any and all thoughts/advice welcome!
Thanks.
- I want to replant
- I need to remove the horrible Juwel textured background
- I need to remove the Juwel internal filter (more on that later)
As a result, I'm intending to empty the tank over the weekend and apply what I've learnt in the last couple of months.
The Plan:
- Water into storage containers, followed by livestock
- Uproot all plants, trim appropriately, into storage containers
- Leave enough water to keep the substrate covered in the tank, so as to avoid killing off the bacteria in the mulm
- Strip out background and filter
- Put in gravel tidy to keep cat litter in place, then gravel cap (gravel cap alone isn't doing the job)
- Replant
- Refill
- Hook up new external filters
- Livestock back in, job done!
Questions
1) Is my plan to keep the substrate bacteria alive sensible/viable/required?
2) I am moving from 1x Juwel internal filter (established) to 2x Eheim 2217 (not established). Given the massive difference in filter media volume, what's the best way to allow me to get up and running with these filters without risking my livestock? Split the Juwel media evenly between the Eheims and leave in for the first month of running? The Eheims have the standard layer of 2x blue sponge at bottom, 1x balls, 1x blue sponge (need to get myself some white fine sponges).
Any and all thoughts/advice welcome!
Thanks.