Question Regarding Swapping Tanks

[southyorkshireguy]

I have just purchased a second hand tank and i am wanting to transfer my fish into the new tank, how do i go about this? can i just put the new fish into the tank? or do i have to cycle the tank?

The tank that i have just bought has been used for a couple of years and was only emptied a week ago so how do i go about this?

 

[Chri$]

If you are going to use the same filter in your new tank - then it will be instantly cycled and you can move your fish straight away.

If you are starting a brand new setup (new filter etc), you will have to cycle the tank, unless you can put some of the old media from your cycled tanks filter into the new filter.

 

[KeeperOfFishyPeace]

the bacteria on the second-hand tank's filter (if the second hand tank came with one) has died if it was not kept wet. you're best bet, if possible in my opinion, is to have both tanks running and to cycle your newly aquired tank with a completely new filter system, or if already has one, to cycle it just like you would a new one. just a suggestion...

hope this helps

 

[sankyj]

I have had to change tanks over on a few occasions and never had a problem. Using the same filters is a must, also try and use the old ornaments, sand gravel etc, even try and transfer the same water across. One important thing to monitor is that the water temperature does not drop too much, as this could stress the fish when you transfer them.

Whenever I have transfered tanks, I have done it as quick as possible

 

[QuotheRaven]

It actually depends the size of the tank as I went to clone my 10 gallon to my 32 gallon and it did not work AT ALL and I did it exactly the way people say. I believe the best move is to cycle the new tank as then you definately know it's ready instead of hoping it is

 

[Miss Wiggle]

the key issue is the filters, it depends a little what your plans are regarding filtration how it's best to do it. You have a few options

1 - if you intend to just use the current filter on the new tank then just transfer it over, make sure you keep the filter media wet during the change over, if it's an internal then sit it in a bucket of tank water, if it's an external just make sure it's still full of tank water.

2 - if you intend to use a new filter (or the 2nd hand one) on the new tank you can either

a - do a complete fishless cycle on your new tank, this may take some time and would only create a 'cycled' tank rather than a 'mature' one.

b - run the new filter alongside your old one in your old tank for a couple of weeks to build up a bacteria colony

c - transfer over the media from the old filter to the new one and set it up on the new tank straight away

d - run the new and old filters in tandem on the new tank for a couple of weeks to build up a bacteria colony.

Ok so aside from filter issues it's pretty easy to change over fish from one tank to the other.

1 - turn off the filter, heater, lights etc on the old tank, unplug everything

2 - start siphoning water out from the tank

3 - while it's draining remove all tank decor

4 - keep 1 (or more depending how many fish you have) big bucket of tank water, start netting your fish when the tank's about 2 thirds full and put them in teh bucket, when you've got them all cover the bucket with a towel

5 - finish draining the tank, sling the water, you don't need to keep it, just as long as you keep your filter media it'll all be ok.

6 - set up the new tank wherever it needs to be, put the heater and filter in place but don't plug them in

7 - fill the tank with water (make sure you use dechlor) when the heater is covered by water then turn it on

8 - when the filter inlet and outlet are covered turn that on too

9 - leave the tank to come up to full temperature, this won't take too long and gives you a chance to check all the equipment etc is working correctly

10 - add your fish

11 - don't feed that day as they'll be stressed and probably won't touch it, then you'll have waste in your tank and could pollute the water

12 - make sure you do water tests the day after to check everything's OK.

Good luck

 

[Chri$]

That is very good advice.

 

[southyorkshireguy]

Thank you for all your helpful replies, i am going to sort something out regarding these tanks at the weekend, i really want the fish in the new tank, i may transfer the filter media from my current tank into the new tank, i think that might be the best thing to do.