how to change out canister for new wet / dry without killing fish

[xdemoncaff3in3x]

how  to change out canister for new wet / dry without killing fish.... what steps do i need to take... ?Is it a good idea have have both running until the wet/dry breaks in ? or just take off the canister an hook up the wet/dry only--   29 gallon reef tank   .....

[REDPYRO]

run both until some a bacteria culture starts up in the new filter...if you dont the tank will cycle

[verper]

run both until some a bacteria culture starts up in the new filter...if you dont the tank will cycle

Good advice Red

[xdemoncaff3in3x]

Just as i thought ..Thanks.. just wanted someone elses input

[ohioreef]

If he doesn't have any filtering media in the wet/dry I'm not sure it will matter. He should have established bacterial filtration in his LR. I do suspect that he might have a small cycle until the bacteria in the LR multiply enough to counter the loss of any bacteria in the canister, but he will probably get that no matter when he removes the canister.

Remember, you have just enough bacteria to balance your current bio-load. Adding the wet/dry while leaving the canister running won't necessarily encourage bacteria to colonize. A better idea would probably be to add the wet/dry and slowly remove the media in your canister until you have an empty canister just pumping water, then remove the canister.

[Joel]

Another option is to take the media dedicated to biological filtration out of the canister and put it in with your bio balls.  After doing so, if you experience any ammonia or nitrite, bring me some of your bio balls and I'll trade you for some out of one of my sumps that is cultured with bacteria.

Joel