Upgrading Fish To A Newer, Bigger Tank...

[Videl]

I am going 2 get a large 50 + gallon tank really soon...i am thinking of transferring fish from my 20 gallon into this new aquarium...Can anyone give any advice and suggestions to safely transfer my fish safely from my 20 gallon into the new 50+gallon tank...So to start off, i am going 2 buy my new aquarium with all the nessesities (power filter, heater, stand, hood, lighting) and some ornaments and gravel... I will put my tank in a proper position away from sunlight...i will then add my newly cleaned gravel, and place my equipment and newly cleaned ornaments into my tank to the desired position...setting up the lights as well...
Can anyone help me start off from here or give me new suggestions and advice on setting up my tank correctly... and since i have a cycled tank already, can you please giv me suggestions and advice 2 help speed up the cycling process...your help would be greatly appreciated.
PS. can you also tell me whens the right time 2 add live plants...thankyou...

 

[Cichlidkeeper]

I just finished doing some thing similar today. The best way to start is to buy the same substrate (gravel) as you have in your current tank. If that isn't possible than there is some alternatives as far as cycling. If you can than setup the tank with the new equiptment including new gravel. Then you want to scoop your old gravel out of the tank and add it to the top of the new gravel. I use a fish net to transfer gravel. Transfer you fish using bags or buckets. Make sure you acclimate them. Lastly move the filter off the old tank onto the new one. I would leave the old filter on for atleast a month.

I would also add a bag of Bio-Spira to the tank. This is a debated topic but I personally belive that this product works.

As far as the live plant go I have no idea.

 

[OscarsRule]

Fill your new tank and treat the water, then do as follows...


Take whatever gravel is in the 20 gallon and put it in a collender (strainer) panty hose or whatever will hold it without spilling out and put it in your new tank, Take the filter carterage (sp?) out of the old filter and put it under your new gravel where you can remove it easily, Leave it all in there for about 2 weks or so and it will give your new tank one heck of a jump start.