Can you change tanks and keep bacteria?

[Goldy]

I have a 2.5 gallon with a betta, some baby snails, and some live plants. I would like to move everything to a 5 gallon in the hopes that it will cut down on the water changes (can't go bigger than a 5 or 6). If I'm really careful about moving the substrate and plants, trying to disrupt everything as little as possible, can I get away without cycling the new tank, i.e. would my existing bacteria survive the move? Of course I would be monitoring the water levels daily. I'm already doing water changes every other day as it is. Would it help if I add more plants when I move everything? Is this wishful thinking or what?

 

[hcgirl80]

Your substrate -gravel, sand, etc- should be moved with the water, you wouldn't want it to be exposed to too much air--or new water. I'd go for the biggest you can get (6g), but if you really want to stick with 5, you can. put all of the 2.5's water in the 5, and then fill the rest of the tank with new dechlorinated water.

Good luck!

~Paige

 

[Blinky]

You might get a 'mini cycle' but if you move everything including most of the water from your small tank into the new tank your betta will be fine.
It sounds like you take wonderful care of your tank and your fish, and I'm sure your betta will be overjoyed with several gallons more space to call his own.

 

[Lazersniper]

You'll be fine. I swapped out a 20 long over to a 33.5. I put the fish and some of the tank water into a bucket, then I vaccumed out the gravel till it was just barely enough covering the gravel. Scouped it up with a cup and put it into the 33.5. I also used the same decor and same filters. Only thing new was the tank and some of the water. All the fish came out just fine and never saw any stress.

You should have nothing to worry about especially with a betta.

 

[OrionGirl]

Does the smaller tank have a filter? Most of the bacteria will be in the filter, and moving it, along with the gravel and any decorations, will effectively import the bacteria colony into the new setup. No need to worry about moving most of the water--very little of the beneficial bacteria are free-floating in the water column. Just make sure the new water is similar, and go for it. Using the old water will just import the waste--not really what you want.

 

[Goldy]

I am so relieved. The thought of having to cycle another tank...
Anyway, I hope to get the 5 this weekend. I'll let ya'll know how it goes. Thanks!

 

[Goldy]

Just an update. I got an Eclipse six and moved everybody over. My 2 gallon's bio wheel did not fit so I had it floating in there for awhile. I'm still using the 2 gallon's filter cartridge until the bacteria gets on the new bio wheel. Had some ammonia today but not too worried. Will keep a close eye on things for the next couple of weeks. Thanks for all the advice.