Changing To A Bigger Tank

[fwells2]

I presently have a relatively small tank and thought i'd buy a bigger one that comes with a stand. I have a 1'x1'x1' at the moment and am changing to a 2'x1'x1'. I know its not much bigger but i was wondering how to go anout changing tanks. do i set up the new tank and leave it to cycle naturally or do I half set it up and then use the water from my original tank because it is already balanced?

also ,it may sound daft but my filter had black and grey stones in it, i'm presuming these need to be replaced but theres so many different types to buy, does it make a difference what stones i use to replace the old ones? how often do i need to replace the stones?

please help me

 

[bogwood]

Put a handful of your existing 'cycled' tanks substrate (which should be heavily laden with the beneficial bacteria you need) in a stocking, tie a knot in the end and dump it in the new tank... this will help to speed up your new tanks 'cycle'...

... don't bother transferring water from your old tank - there is very little bacteria in it...

... better still, get some filter media from an established filter and put it in your new tanks filter... again, helping to speed up the 'cycle'...

...incidently, if you are using your old tanks filter and heater in the new tank, make sure they can handle the increased capacity...

 

[Tolak]

If you plan on just switching tanks, keeping the same fish, filter, substrate, & other decorations you need 2 buckets. Fish go in one bucket with some of the tank water, substrate & filter media go in another with some tank water. It helps to drain the tank at least half way when catching fish. Drain the tank, set up the new stand & tank making sure to level it. Add substrate, & fill half way with dechlored water, same temperature as in the old tank. Add decos, heater, & filter. Fill the rest of the way with dechlored water, plug in heater, filter, & add fish.

If you think it will take you longer than an hour or so, toss the heater in the bucket with the fish. I did that when I switched out 3 20 gallons for 3 29s. All the fish in a 5 gallon bucket with a sponge filter, & heater, all the filter media in another bucket, bare bottom tanks. The bucket was packed, no fish losses. I took my time, they were in there for nearly 3 hours.

 

[onemisterchristian]

Also, just another tip: Depending upon what type of substrate you have...it helps to put a plate in your new tank after you put the substrate in. Then pour your water onto th plate so it doesn't disturb the substrate too much and kick up a mad silt/waste cloud.
Good luck with the big switch!