Filter Problem

[Lurch1]

SO! My whisper (junk) filter is back to making a whole lot of noise and is driving me nuts. I bought a new AC 50 for my 29 gal and was wondering how much media from the old filter I need to put in the new one. I had a bunch of DIY media stuffed in the whisper and took one of the sponges out and placed it in the AC. The tank is only a month and a half old, fully cycled, I just don't want to start a mini cycle. They are both running in the tank right now.

Whisper has filter floss, 1 good sponge and 2 old crappy falling apart sponges.
AC has a new sponge and old sponge (from the whisper) new floss and bio stuff that came with the new filter.

[exv152]

I'd put as much of the old media from the whisper in the new AC that you can fit. Basically it's all seeded with beneficial bacteria, and you should have no problem. Don't forget there's bacteria on all surfaces in the tank as well, so you probably won't have any issues. But I'd run two filters in the future to make sure you're covered for if ever one breaks down.

[touchofsky]

I second the above comments.  Also, have you taken the Whisper apart to make sure there isn't something lodged in the impeller?

[Lurch1]

Yeah I have taken it apart many many many many times and it works for a bit then craps out again. Thanks for your help.

[Nerine]

Do you have sand in the tank or gravel?

I find that on my tanks with sand, ONE tiny grain of sand can muck the whole thing up no matter WHAT brand of filter you have! (I love my whispers!)

You should be taking the filter apart on a regular basis to clean it out to prevent issues, I rinse everything out and sometimes soak pieces depending on their location and if they are submersible or not. and sometimes you might be surprised at the little bits of sand, tiny pieces of gravel that get stuck in there!

Good luck with your filters!