best way to change to larger tank size?

[zipzap]

Hello all,
I am new here and have a question. I bought a 10 gallon tank for my son's room about 2 months ago. In the tank I have 1 beta, 2 swordtails, and 2 glo danios.
Now that I am starting to learn more about this fascinating hobby, I am concerned that the fish I have need a bigger tank.
I am considering a 20 gallon (no larger b/c of space constraints in room), but am unsure how to transfer everything over to the bigger tank once I buy one.
The fish are doing great, I just want them to have more room to swim around, but don't want to crash my new tank.
So, what is the safest way to do a fish transfer, do I start a whole other cycle for the tank etc. Help! I love these guys, and would be pretty disappointed if I lost one!
Thanks for any advice!
--Kim
btw, great site! I have learned invaluable information, and have really enjoyed going over all the topics.

[jpappy789]

Since you're getting a larger tank you will probably need to upgrade the filtration as well. Luckily, since your 10 gallon already is cycled, you can seed the new tank by using a portion of your established media in the new filter. Virtually an instant cycle.

The safest way to transfer would be to remove the fish into a container of dechlorinated water while you move everything over. Once things are arranged to your liking you can reintroduce them.

[PuppyFluffer]

Are you considering keeping the 10 gallon up and running as well...thus having two tanks?
Just curious. This is an addictive hobby, be forewarned! LOL

[johnlarson66]

I would scoop the gravel out first, then decorations, then fill it half full of new water (make sure it is the same temp) and then move your filter over to the new tank (old media and all), but keep it unplugged.

Then unplug your heater, move it over, but keep it unplugged also. Now your 10 gallon should have nothing but fish and water left in it (maybe some gravel). Use a water pitcher and scoop out water and fish and pour into the new tank. You might have to net some of them if they escape the filter. You do not have to get all of the water, but I would get lots of it. Some will tell you that you don't need any of it, but I transfer as much as possible then do a water change withen two days. Pour slowly and try your best not to stress the fish out. Then top off and plug in your heater and filter.

You have hardy fish and they should take to the move very well. I always like seeing bettas in larger tanks.

I would jump to a 29 gallon instead of a 20H, it is not much bigger but the extra 9 gallons sure seem to make a difference. I would also give the 10 gallon away as quickly as possible before MTS gets you.

[rocker92]

I would scoop the gravel out first, then decorations, then fill it half full of new water (make sure it is the same temp) and then move your filter over to the new tank (old media and all), but keep it unplugged.

Then unplug your heater, move it over, but keep it unplugged also. Now your 10 gallon should have nothing but fish and water left in it (maybe some gravel). Use a water pitcher and scoop out water and fish and pour into the new tank. You might have to net some of them if they escape the filter. You do not have to get all of the water, but I would get lots of it. Some will tell you that you don't need any of it, but I transfer as much as possible then do a water change withen two days. Pour slowly and try your best not to stress the fish out. Then top off and plug in your heater and filter.

You have hardy fish and they should take to the move very well. I always like seeing bettas in larger tanks.

I would jump to a 29 gallon instead of a 20H, it is not much bigger but the extra 9 gallons sure seem to make a difference. I would also give the 10 gallon away as quickly as possible before MTS gets you.

:iagree:lol

[jpappy789]

Psh...why not keep the 10 gallon?

[rocker92]

then again i agree with pappy!!!

[PuppyFluffer]

Keep the 10 as a quarantine/hospital tank!

[jpappy789]

^^^Good idea.

[Hollygirl]

I would definately keep the 10 gallon too. Once the addiction sets in you will be sorry you got rid of it. LOL!

I agree with the others about going up a size. If you were planning on getting a 20 gallon long, that is 30"x12"x12". You might as well go to 29 gallons at 30"x12"x18".
The 20 gallon high is 24"x12"x16" - you might as well go 25 gallons at 24"x12"x20".

[jpappy789]

I would definately keep the 10 gallon too. Once the addiction sets in you will be sorry you got rid of it. LOL!

I agree with the others about going up a size. If you were planning on getting a 20 gallon long, that is 30"x12"x12". You might as well go to 29 gallons at 30"x12"x18".
The 20 gallon high is 24"x12"x16" - you might as well go 25 gallons at 24"x12"x20".
And if you're going with the 25 gallon...might as well go 30 instead...and if you're doing 30...;)

[Hollygirl]

jpappy789 - You read my mind! LOL!

They want to go with a 20 gallon because of the size, so you might as well get the highest tank for that footprint. LOL!

[zipzap]

Thank you guys sooo mush for all of your replys!
Actually, in our living room, Ive got a 29g brewin' with a fishless cycle for my own personal enjoyment! Yes, addiction has set in!
As far as my son's room, the table I have my 10g on, well, I am really not sure if a 29g would fit on it. I will have to take a pic of the desk and post it and yall can give me some opinions on what would work.
Btw, saving the 10g for a hospital tank is a great idea! Probably a stupid question,but if used for this purpose, do you just keep the tank running at all times in case of an emergency?
Oh, and here is an ad I found on Craigs list for a 20g - seems like a good deal!
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/for/1006005941.html
Thanks again!
--Kim

[icemanx23]

Well I start with 5g tank and....i'm now AA (Aquarium Addict).:lol:

[PuppyFluffer]

I think the best plan is to run an extra filter so you can switch it over to the QT/hospital tank if you need to. Then you can disinfect the filter if you are dealing with disease, and put it back on the larger established tank to re-grow it's beneficial bacterial colony and await it's need for the next time. I'm new to all of this but this is how I understand it.

[mel_20_20]

:welcome:Welcome to AC! You've come to the right place. :)
Wow, you've got it already! One of the fastest cases of addiction I've ever seen.:woot:

[gmh]

The Craig's list tank looks to be in nice shape but kinda pricey. Do you like the blue gravel? Offer them 30 bucks and I'll bet they take it.
Keeping the 10 gallon empty for use as a QT/ hospital tank is a good idea. If you put a fish in it to keep it cycled, well if you are like me it will turn into another stocked tank!