moving fish from one tank to another

[Ricey]

whats the best way to move two small clown loaches form one tank to their new home? the new tank has virtually the same water conditions as its in the same building, the nitrate is slightly lower in the new big tank. amonia and nitrite almost zero, PH 7.5ish in both. water temp is 25 C in both tanks.

Is it ok to just release them straight away? The two tanks are about 10 meters apart. or should i put them in a bag and float them for 20 mins etc?

thanks for any help

 

[BobK]

Why are ammonia and nitrite not zero? Is the tank not cycled yet? If not, I'd cycle it b4 moving the fish. You can help the cycle by transfering some filter media and some substrate to get it moving. If it is cycled then where is the ammonia & nitrite from? Just to be on the safe side moving I'd put them in a bag and float them and then add some of the new tank water just in case there is any differences you're not aware of. Better safe than sorry and patience is key.

 

[Ricey]

sorry should have made it a bit clearer. the new tank is fully cycled and has been for some time now.

 

[BobK]

Oh, then just to be safe float the bag and add some water from the new tank just in case. By the way, have you investigated why you're still getting ammonia & nitrite readings?

 

[Ricey]

well when i say almost zero, i mean as close to zero as my test kits can measure.
its well within the stated safe level though.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Ricey

About the only reason for floating a bag of new fish is to let the temperature of the water in the bag gradually become the same as that of the tank. Since this is not necessary, in this case, I'd just scoop them up in a net and move them right over to their new home.

 

[Alurny]

So i float my new fish in their bags first? Do you add tankwater to the bags?

 

[sylvia]

Yes. Gradualy add tank water to let the fish get used to any differences in pH/hardness etc. Suddenly dumping them in can shock them if the conditions are quite different.