Moving fish from one tank to another ?

[julielynn47]

Hello everyone! It has been awhile since I have been here. Been very busy and not able to enjoy my tanks the way I once was able too.

For those of you who remember me, and those who do not , I had the following tanks at one time.

10 gallon
55 gallon
75 gallon

I shut my 10 gallon down and moved my Betta to the 75 gallon. I did this with no problems. My betta lived for 2 years in his big home, alas he passed away a few months ago. Now I am really wanting to either down size, or just change out the fish I keep. So what I am thinking about doing is moving all the fish in the 55 gallon to the 75 gallon and then doing a restock on the 55 gallon with some other type of fish. I have always kept well mannered community fish and I think I want to try something new. Maybe ciclids.

Anyway, my question is, for those of you who have moved fish from one tank to another, how did it go? I worry about stressing my fish and them dying. As I said the betta did great. But I am a bit worried about these as they a lot older then the betta was.

I have 4 albino corries, 4 scissor tails and 3 pristella's in the 55 gallon right now. The cories are pretty old fish. 8 years old to be exact. The pristella's are also at least that old and the scissor tails are about 4 years old. Well, 1 of them is about 7. I have really old fish , at least that is old to me for a fish.

So what do anyone of think? Any suggestions? Any reason not to move them? I know my tank is really stable for them to have lived so long, but I really am needing to either redirect myself, to get the juices flowing again, or just shut another tank down. Decisions, decisions, decisions....

I would appreciate anyones experience on moving these types of fish.

Thanks in advance!
Julie

 

[AbbeysDad]

Making the assumption that all your tanks have the same water quality (same source water, routine partial water changes, and temperature) you should be able to move the fish directly between tanks. They will be a little upset from the net and move, but should be fine.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I agree with Abbeys Dad, but I'd recommend confirming the similar water by testing rather than assuming. For a variety of reasons, each tank is unique, so checking is always a good idea, especially for temp.



Also... regarding the cichlids... all the fish you've already mentioned are soft, acidic water fish. Cichlids come in two main groups: New World and Old World. New World are South or Central American, and would still require soft, acidic water. Old World are African from the Rift Valley, and depending on which lake they are native to, exactly what water parameters they would require... but all of them are hard, alkaline water fish.

Also, if you go with the Africans, its generally best to overstock them a bit to lower any individual aggression. These are some very colorful and extremely active fish, so a great 'change-up' for your situation to rekindle the spark.

 

[julielynn47]

Thank you both!

On the cichlids, which I have never kept before, the water parameters I am used to would work for the New World..correct?

I will have to read up on them. I honestly don't know New World from Old World. I think the yellow and blue ones are very pretty and would like to try them. I will do a lot of research on them first. I am not going to just jump into it tomorrow for sure.

I love my peaceful fish, and I want my cory's to have sand. The 75 gallon has a sand substrate and I think they would love that

 

[julielynn47]

I am going to have to get a new master test kit as well before I start anything. Mine is old and I am not sure it can be trusted. My tanks have been cycled for so long, especially the 55 gallon, until I don't have much to test for anymore. Everything runs like a well oiled clock . But if I am going to start changing things up I will need to have a new kit on hand I think, just to be safe

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Thank you both!

On the cichlids, which I have never kept before, the water parameters I am used to would work for the New World..correct?

I will have to read up on them. I honestly don't know New World from Old World. I think the yellow and blue ones are very pretty and would like to try them. I will do a lot of research on them first. I am not going to just jump into it tomorrow for sure.

I love my peaceful fish, and I want my cory's to have sand. The 75 gallon has a sand substrate and I think they would love that

Yes, cories are sand lovers!


On the 'yellow and blue' cichlids... I believe you are describing Africans.

I believe the yellow ones you are thinking of are the "Yellow Lab" fish... Labidochromi caeruleus.
And the blue are likely "Electric Blue Hap"... Sciaenochromis Fryeri



Its also possible that you are talking about Severum, which come in a variety of different colors, and they are South American cichlids.


Generally speaking, the African are smaller and would work nicely in a fairly nice number in a 55 gallon, but would need special water treatment by you.

The South Americans often come in larger sizes, and would fit in your water. But, they wouldn't work in as large a number of individuals... unless you went with the small varieties like Apistogramma spp.


Africans are generally going to be much more active and are, overall, more colorful.


You are going to have a lot of fun on this journey! The world of cichlids is very varied and wonderful. I recently changed up my tank from my 'peaceful' tank and finally got myself some tiger barbs, which I've long wanted, but couldn't have in my peaceful tank. I'm so happy with that change. Very active fish... constantly swimming somewhere...

Good luck.

 

[julielynn47]

A school of Tiger Barbs was my first choice. I am still not sure if I will do them or the cichlids. I am not sure if I want to deal with having to harden my water. So the New World would be better for me. But time will tell. I am not making a solid decision just yet, but I am definitely doing something different. Tiger barbs would be the easiest way but I have always wanted some cichlids......

 

[Fishmanic]

I have a 29 gallon tank with 8 tiger barbs, 1 bolivian ram, several spotted cories, and one bushynose pleco. I have loads of anubias plants and drifwood in the tank as a pleco likes areas to hide. I also have a couple of "caves" made from pieces of flagstone siliconed to rocks. Makes for a nice looking tank. Tiger barbs are very active and generally school together.