"teri" wrote in message
...

If you move the filter used on the 3g temporarily to the 20g, then
the
20g is essentially cycled. The filter contains the waste processing
capability balanced to the requirements of your 2 Platys.
I thought of that but the filter on the eclipse 3 sits atop a frame
in the tank, no way to hang it on the back in another tank.
teri

Alternately, take the aged sponge material out and stuff it into the
new
filter. One technique I often use is to take the old filter material
and
squeeze it, so the brown gunk falls into the new filter media. I don't
usually mention this method because I've never rigorously checked to
see
how well it works, but if you have no recourse.. ymmv.

I am not trying to be argumentative but can that be done with the
penguin type filters? I don't know what can be taken out, or stuffed
with them. Sorry for being dense about this stuff. My neighbor said a
while ago he has some angel hair like stuff that he could take out of
his tank and give to me, but where would it go with what I have?

LOL, no problem ) For filters which seal their filter media in
replaceable cartridges, you can either cut the cartridge open, or simply
put the old cartridge in the water, preferably where there is a water
flow. The bacteria will spread through the tank looking to colonize the
best spots.

I can't comment on the angel-hair stuff, unless it's cotton-like filter
floss, which would also work.

Don't be worried about asking lots of questions, and there are lots of
people here smarter than me who can help if I get stuck ;~).
--
www.NetMax.tk

Any slimy objects (rocks, heater etc) from the 3g will also be coated
in
good bacteria.
Now that I can do, treasure chest, castle, fake plants, gravel.
Thanks.
Teri