changing over to a bigger tank

[DJ_CAL]

So I have had my 10g for about 6 months and have come to realize that it is just to small for me to enjoy to the fullest. I have been thinking about changing it over to a 18g with the same base dimensions but just taller. So Im wondering what my best corse of action is for the 10g can I switch the gravel and all the stuff over into the 18g in one day and get the fish back in or do I have to take special precautions?

also I have a 55 but is a while away from being established so i cant move my fish over there.

[Matt W]

1. Put fish in temporary container with some current tank water.
2. Transfer gravel, filter, and decorations to new tank.
3. Fill new tank with dechlorinated water of same temp as old water.
4. Add fish.
5. Enjoy!

[blitzen25bm]

yea do what he said just do lots of gravel vaccumning for a few days first and dont feed so much during that time, it make make things a lot less messy.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Just make sure that the top level of gravel and filter don't dry out because if they do, you will lose the biological bacteria that has grown on them.

[Sum-X]

It may be a good idea to put in some of the old water as well, so you can keep the bacteria flowing. This way you won't have to cycle again (you shouldn't if you're using the same filter and gravel, but this will still help). ^_^

[DJ_CAL]

can I just wash the gravel outin the sink in a strainer or somthing or will that get rid of the bacteria?

[MrGoodbytes]

I thought that the bacteria just lived on the surfaces in the water, that's why fluidized bed filters are so effective at breaking down nitrogenous wastes.

Including some water may help to seed some other kinds of bacteria that had an equilibrium in the old tank.

I may be wrong, but what everyone else has said is the way to go.

Graeme

[NJ Devils Fan]

Yes, rinsing the gravel in the sink will kill the bacteria. I would just clean it normally before you take it out and put it in the new tank.

[DJ_CAL]

thanks for the help you guys, ill post pics after I get it set up!

[OrionGirl]

Nitrifying bacteria adhere to surfaces where there is water movement--this brings them in contact with food and oxygen. They are not free floating in the water column. Fluidized beds are effective because they provide a large surface area (the individual grains of sand) with maximum exposure to the water. With other substrates, the bacteria can only colonize the top layer, rather than all of them. This is why UGF/RUGF are effective--the entire depth of substrate can be colonized, not just the top layer.