Moving Tanks

[tim1]

Well, right now I have a 10 gallon tank, and I've decided that I want a bigger one, so I am looking around for either a 20 gallon or 25 gallon. What I would like to know if there is anything I should watch out for when moving my fish/water? I plan on putting the current filter beside the filter that comes with the tank so that the tank has the needed bacteria, and I am going to be putting the same water and plants in.
The only thing I will be changing is the gravel. I am going to put sand instead. Is this OK?

Thanks.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

here's a bit of a step by step guide

1 - get new tank in place, make sure it's level etc
2 - fill with dechlorinated tap water to about 2 thirds full
3 - rig up heater and (new) filter onto the new tank and switch on (leave the light turned off)
4 - rinse your sand and put it in the tank
5 - move across any decor, plants etc that you want to keep, add any new ones, aquascape the new tank
6 - wait until new tank is up to the correct temp
7 - turn off equipment on old tank
8 - rig up the filter from your old tank on the new one and switch on
9 - remove any remaining decor from old tank
10 - drain old tank to half full
11 - catch fish, use 2 nets, hold a large net at one end of the tank, use a smaller net to 'chase' the fish into the big one. when you've caught a fish in the net gently hold the fish through the net so it's not flapping around, transfer it as quickly and calmly as possible into the new tank
12 - when you've transferred all the fish from the old to new tank take a few minutes to watch the fish and ensure they are ok. they're likley to be hiding and looking a bit scared but make sure no one's dying or anything
13 - drain old tank and dispose of it or whatever you're doing with it
14 - leave lights off on the new tank and don't feed the fish for 24 hrs
15 - do water tests every day for 1 week on the new tank, be prepared for a mini cycle, hopefully it won't happen but you should be ready for it

 

[2excitedkids]

Thankyou Miss Wiggle for your practically perfect advice. Just done this today. Had read your advice on a similar thread and found the 2 net trick in half the water worked really well.
The only difference was we thought we were supposed to acclimatise them so put in a bucket for 40 mins, gradually adding to it with the new tanks water(though we had checked temp/other parameters in both to make sure same first). They didn't like it in the bucket much though.
They are now in their new tank and seem happy except the corydoras -2 are swiming around like lunatics,the other 2 just sitting on the bottom.I think they are enjoying new substrate as gone from coarse gravel to very fine gravel just for them.

They seem lost in new tank...gone from 60 litres to 260 litres....seems gi-enormous!!
Can't wait to add some new fish...such a long wait though..4 weeks....

 

[ox5477]

The acclimation period is a technique more for marine set-ups as the stocking is more particular to large jumps in water conditions than their freshwater cousins. Usually, 20 mins or so in a bag of previous water, floated in the new tank to allow temp acclimation is all you need.

Your corys should love the sand. it is a great chice for them as they play and root around it as they would in nature

I know what you mean about lost. When I upgraded my 55G to a 125G, my old stock really were kind of confused and stayed on one side of the tank for about a day or so. But, gradually, they swam out and began to explore. The same happened when I moved my marines into the 55G from a 30G. I have lot more rock proportionally than I had in the 30G plus the flow patterns are quite a bit different, so my yellow fairy wrasses stayed buried for about 24 hrs before they decided to take a peek

glad to hear the move went well

 

[Miss Wiggle]

no problem, glad it went well.

first time i moved a tank i was terrified, done it enough times now i think i've got it sussed

 

[tim1]

OK, thank you guys! I will try it out, your guide seems like a good one.
My cories will defiantly love the sand.