Transferring to new tank

[gottasavebob]

We've done this before and had horrible results due to some erroneous information. We moved our goldfish and catfish from a ten gallon to a 30 gallon and in the process ended up losing 3 fish because of it. Now we are getting ready to switch from a 30 gallon to a 55 gallon and I'd like some advice on how to do this so my fish aren't harmed.

The tank is being loaned by a friend and it comes with an under gravel filter and lighted hood. I have two air pumps of my own. I know I'll need to get a larger heater, but what else do I need and how should I do it? I have a biological filter now and plan to keep that with the new tank, but do I need another filter besides the under gravel? What about canister filters? I know the suction on these can affect small fish, so I'm worried about that, too.

I will be replacing the gravel (since Bob recently got a rock stuck in his mouth - thanks to everyone who helped with that!), but all the plants and shells will be transferred to the new tank.

I have two large goldfish, 2 small plecos, 2 small catfish, and 2 hatchet fish.

 

[acadialover]

transfering to new tank

.. here's what I've done...Get a couple large plastic trash cans from the hardware store. Set up the new tank, after washing. Siphon water from smaller tank into the trash cans. Put fish into cans with air wand on an air pump..... can even put heater in there. Set up new tank with as much stuff from the other tank as possible, (gravel bog wood, etc.) Transfer water from cans, and transfer fish. Add remaining water from tank with chemicals removed, after new tank is properly heated. You get the idea, I've never had any fish loss using this method, when changing tanks.
Good luck!! keep us posted on how it goes.

 

[gottasavebob]

Thanks for responding. So transferring them to a new tank with much more new water won't shock them? I wasn't sure if I should let the new tank run without fish in it for a while or if it was safe to do it all at once.

Also, is a 55 gallon tank considered one of the "bigger" sizes that I need to put across my floor joists?