Adding a new filter

Question
I have a newly established and cycled (2 weeks of 0 ammonia & 0 nitrites) 20 gal. freshwater aquarium, and my current filtration is an AquaClear 20. I have purchased a new Fluval C3 to put on the tank, and the AQ 20 will be going on a new 10 gal. for my 5 year old daughter. My question is regarding the switchover. I plan on running both filters on the 20 gallon until the beneficial bacteria can colonize the new filter. I had considered seeding the new filter with media from the old filter, but I really want to use the established media to kickstart the cycle in the new 10 gal. How long should I run both filters on the 20 gal to get the new filter established?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Kenny

Depending on how long your 20gal has been cycled, there should be enough beneficial bacteria in the gravel to handle the change over. I change filters out all the time, but most of my tanks have been set up for years.

I would say if the tank has been set up for less than 6 months, I would let both filters run for at least a couple of weeks.

Hope this helps you, good luck!

Richard