Upgrading Tank

[Alex.]

Im mulling over the idea of eventually upgrading from my 125ltr tank to something like a Roma 240 or one of the 260 bowfronts... My question is, how many of you have upgraded and how did you go about doing it?

Ive been thinking of booking a couple of days off work when I eventually get round to it and try to get it all done by siphoning the current tank water into a big plastic storage tub, putting the fish in it and sticking the heater and filter in it while I take everything out of the current tank.

My issue is I don't have the space in my front room to accommodate two tanks running together for a week or two... But at the same time I wouldn't be changing filter (I have an ex1200 - so it should be more than enough even for the bigger tank) so surely I'd be fine doing it all in one day?

What are your thoughts / experiences?

Thanks!

 

[OldMan47]

Why in the world would you try to preserve all that water Alex.?
There is no need to do anything of the sort. Just capture a 5 gallon bucket of water from the old tank and net all of your fish into it. Then drain the tank and replace it with the new tank. Fill the new tank with dechlorinated water and mix the new tap water to get the right temperature. Once it is full, add the fish back into it. Move the old filter to the new tank and let it run for several weeks until the new filter is ready to support your fish. Yes it is as simple as I have said to make that change. The old cycled filter will support the fish in the new setting until the new filter is ready.

 

[kcartwright856]

As OldMan74 mentioned, there is no need to preserve/transfer all of that water. Your water does not hold any of the beneficial bacteria in your tank.

Assuming that your fish are accustomed to regular water changes, they will be perfectly fine with up to 100% fresh, dechlorinated water.

If your fish are not accustomed to regular water changes, start doing 10-15% water changes daily until you have your new tank set up. This will prevent them from going into a "shock" of sorts when introduced to fresh, clean water.

*By "regular water changes", I mean 25-50% weekly water changes.

 

[Alex.]

Yeah I didn't mean use the old tank water in my new tank, might have been a little unclear there. I just meant putting the tank water into a tub / bucket while I do the change. I'd like it to be nice and simple but I can imagine swapping all the plants, ornaments and sand being an absolute pain

In regards to the filter - ill be using the same one so don't need to use an 'old' one temporarily - luckily the filter I have will more than accommodate an upgrade in tanks