getting penny wort out of filter

[Holldoll]

I'm building the new bio filter for my new pond. In my old bio filter I have a very large penny wort.  What is the best way to remove it from that filter and move it to the new one?

Also, would it help my filter cure faster if I add the old sponges from the old filter to the new one?

TIA!

[Julles]

Yes, definately add the old sponges to the new filter.  You definately want that build up of good bacteria to get established in the new filter.

Re the penny wort, if it's the stuff I'm thinking of, it should be plenty hardy enough to survive being yanked out and replanted.  That stuff is really tough!  It may take a little while to reestablish its root system, but we're only talking a couple of weeks, tops.   

[Holldoll]

Thanks!

how deep do we need the sponges to be?

[Julles]

I would put them in the bottom.  You want them to get maximum exposure to the water coming in, but not be aggitated so much that the water flushes out the good bacteria.