question on new tank???

[LMOUTHBASS]

I have a 20 G fully cycled tank - problem is some of the residents are outgrowing it - i want to get something between 30-45 gals or so - however I am limited on space - so if i take say 3/4 of the water from my old tank put it into my new tank as well as the old filter and media etc - will it be cycled??? or shoul i try to find a temporary home for the old tank while i cycle the new tank? I know by putting my old filter and some gravel and ornaments etc in the new tank it will cycle faster - but what if just put everything in there including old water n then fill the rest of the tank up with new water (sorta like a big water change) will it be good to go?

[pinballqueen]

If you move the existing deco and filtration, ALL of it, then you should be able to move the fish over with no problem, and have a fully cycled tank for the existing stock. If you add more fish you will have to introduce them slowly, just as you would with any tank that you are introducing new fish to. Don't worry about moving the water, as it holds very little bacteria that will help you. Just move all the gravel, decoration, filtration media, and the like and you will be all set.

:)

[OrionGirl]

The filter and media will be all that's needed. I don't recommend using the old water, but rather use clean, appropriately treated fresh water for filling the new tank. The bacteria you want to retain are not free floating in the water column, so using the old water just imports the dissolved nutrients--not really needed.

Do not add any fish at this stage, either--this will alter the bio-load, and the existing bacteria will be inadequate for the job. I recommend feeding only lightly for 3 days before an after the changeover, gradually returning to the usual amount after that. Make sure the filter media and any decorations you're keeping remain wet during the change over, and use a large clean cooler or tub for the fish. Keep the fish covered--the darkness will lower their stress, and decrease the odds of them jumping.

[LMOUTHBASS]

so just so i make sure i get what you said - the old water is no good but the filter as well as ornaments etc will filter out the new tank - i don't want to use old gravel as i want a new look - more natural - so if i put all this stuff in the new tank i shoul wait about 3 days and it will be safe to move the fish to their new home?



my next Q is when i set up the new gravel i am considering putting a thin layer of play sand 1/2 inch or so on the bottom then putting in the gravel or large rocks that i want - my thoughts are that when i plant the tank the will root i there better is this a good idea???

[OrionGirl]

No need to wait 3 days to put the fish in the new tank--just make sure it's close to the same temp they are in and you'll be fine.

For the gravel--a mix wil lbe fine, but keep in mind that the layers won't stay discrete forever. Planting with layers, as well as cleaning and fish playing will move the sand up. Not a big deal, just a warning. And, take care when choosing your plants--some plants do not do well in sand. The gravel/sand mix won't provide any nutrients for the roots, so you'd still need to fertilize.

[LMOUTHBASS]

thanks for your help so as long as i move everything such as the old filter etc - i can move the fish in somtime shortly after setting up the new tank!!! awesome i thought it woul be a while

[pinballqueen]

If you don't want to use the old gravel but still want to benefit from its bacterial colony, put it into a pair of new, unworn pantyhose and knot it, then drop it into the tank. It will be ugly as sin, sure, but you will benefit from the bacteria until a colony gets established in the tank. When sufficient time has passed, say a week or two, simply remove the bag of old gravel and you will hopefully be ok. If possible, split the gravel into 3 or 4 packages so that you can remove it gradually....