Swapping internal filter (with sponges) to external one (with ceramic medium)

[NoWittyName]

Title kind of says it all. Really don't like the internal filter. I find it quite stressful cleaning out the tank (as opposed to the downstairs one that has always had external). Found great priced external one but not sure how to do the swap. If I was swapping sponge filter to sponge filter I know I can just put some old sponge in, but as the new one is ceramic medium how do I build up the bacteria?
(Does that make any sense)
Thanks in advance

You can just chuck the sponges straight in to the canister. You might need to take out a handful of the beads but you can always put them back at a later date.

And then can I take out the sponges after a few weeks and just continue with the beads?

Yes. External filters do have sponges as well, but the beads provide the main biological filtration. I think I left the sponges in mine for a good few months just to be sure.

:) :) Thank you. That's tomorrow's job then!

Done!!! I'm in love with the tank all over again. It looks SO much nicer, and has allowed me to put 10litres more water in so fish should be happier too.

Am so happy it's quite pathetic!

No no, there's nothing pathetic about staring at your creation with pride.

I hope.

Lol.