because my oscar is getting larger (approaching 10") i decided to get a jump on the bio waste and add another filter to the tank... how long does it take for the new filter to get established with bacteria and will this make my ammonia spike?

If you run the new filter with the old filter you will be fine! The new filter will be ready to run on it's own in about 5 weeks! Hope this Helps!

BentBarrel wrote:

running a new pump in parallel with the existing will take 30 to 45 days before the new one become fully seeded with good bacteria. and no, there would be no ammonia spike.

in some instances, you may import some media from the existing and exchange
it with the new media in new pump. it will expedite the seeding, say 2 to 3 weeks only.

thanks guys think i will just wait and let nature take it's course with the new filter now i just have to get my oscar to loose interest in it lol