Waht Is The Best Way To Keep Filter Media Alive When Out Of Tank

[Tonyb111111]

Hi guys,  I am moving house next month and been as I have to empty the tank I am taking the opportunity to change my current set up to a Tanganyikan set up.  This is the plan
 
1. Remove all current stock and sell to local fish store
2. Drain and remove all substrate, plants, wood etc etc
3. Remove filter sponges and place in a container with some tank water
4. Wait up to three weeks for the move to take place
 
What is the best plan to keep the media alive during this time. Ammonia, fish food ???]
 
Also, I aware that a 200 litre tank is on the lower size limit for this set up butam i right in saying that if I chose my stock wisely (eg size, territory etc) there should not be a problem.  Failing that, I would be looking at a 400 litre tank
 
Regards
 
Tony

 

[the_lock_man]

Ammonia's best.

 

[Tonyb111111]

Ammonia's best.

Thanks, but what addition rates and test results are we looking fopr when doing this. As the filter media is mature, i will need to be able to tell if I am adding enough.  What is suggested

 

[the_lock_man]

Adding 1ppm per day should be fine - in fact, I would have thought it would increase the bacteria colonies enough to cope with the increased bioload of the Cichlids.