questions about replacing filter

[catfishbum]

i had an unfotunate problem with my filter last night. apparently with the power going on and off due to the weather my external filter burnt out. i went to petco and purchased a marineland penguin 200 bio-wheel filter to replace it. my question is this......i think my tank is in a re-cycling process and am not sure if i should slip the old filter cartrige into the new marineland filter for a while just to let the bacteria make its way into the new filter catrige, if this makes sense. or is it safe to just put a new catrige in and let it go.....

 

[homebunnyj]

I'd put the old filter cartridge in, if it will fit in there... If not, aat least swish it in the tank, maybe leave it in there for a while.

 

[Timbo]

If the filter won't fit , Then rinse the old filter in the tank and the new filter medium will pick up the bugs, They will also get to live in the substratae. and although it willbe cloudy for a short time there should be no lasting ill effects on the fish.