Moving New Tank Into Space Of Old Tank

[orangefish]

I've bought a 125l tank on ebay this week, and currently have a 60l tank. The problem is, I need the 125l to be in the place of the 60l tank! I'm not really sure how to do this seeing as I have fish and plants that need to be moved from the 60l too.

So, my plan is to empty half of the water in the 60l into large buckets.
Then remove the fish and put them into these buckets too.
I will then probably be able to lift this half full tank out of the way and move the other tank into its' place.
Then I'll take the filter media from my 60l and put it into the new filter in the 125l.
I'll gradually put the used water back into the 125l and add the decorations and plants.
I will add the extra water by tap water so that will be warm so that the water doesn't take forever to heat up.
I then plan to get the filter and heater running, and gradually release the fish back into the new tank.

Does this sound like a good plan or not, and if there are problems, can you suggest any improvements that will avoid the fish dying and the tank having to cycle again. Thanks

 

[Always Learning]

I just half strip the tank down. Everything out, except the substrate and half the water, then bag the fish. Finish draining the old tank, scoop out the substrate (If keeping it, otherwise wait).. move, replace, fill her up and transfer it all over. Get the water something like the right temperature as you're adding then ta da.. done.

Don't stop for breaks and you'll be done within the hour

You can break it down as much as you want, but aslong as the temp is right, everything is working and you add your filter or mature media to your new filter only after you have treated the water, then you'll be reet. Don't worry too much about the fish, they can cope a lot easier than people think.

 

[orangefish]

Thanks- sounds relatively easy I also forgot to mention that I am changing from a gravel substrate to a sand substrate in the new tank. Will it be ok if I pour the water through a breeding trap so I don't disturb all the sand- or does it not matter for the fish if the sand hasn't settled when I first put the fish back in? Thanks

 

[Always Learning]

You can use a bowl in the tank or something tub like, then pour your water into there so it over-flows, rather than turning up all the sand. I wouldn't worry too much about the fish with sand still afloat, but more so your filter as it can damage the impellar. Before you start the strip down, make sure you've cleaned the sand as much as you can... that little bit longer is worth it in the long run.

 

[Curiosity101]

Before you start the strip down, make sure you've cleaned the sand as much as you can... that little bit longer is worth it in the long run.

^^ Just wanted to doubley agree with this. Washing the substrate properly is definitely not something to skimp on.

 

[orangefish]

Ok thanks, well I'm buying the sand before I get the tank so I can wash it well then.

You can use a bowl in the tank or something tub like, then pour your water into there so it over-flows, rather than turning up all the sand. I wouldn't worry too much about the fish with sand still afloat, but more so your filter as it can damage the impellar. Before you start the strip down, make sure you've cleaned the sand as much as you can... that little bit longer is worth it in the long run.

When you say that the floating sand can damage the filter- how can I avoid damaging the filter? Thanks

 

[Always Learning]

By washing the sand as much as you can and taking extra care when filling your new tank up. It doesn't take long to settle really, but you're just going to have to be a little bit more careful when it comes to preparing, as you're wanting to transfer yours straight over...

So rinse, rinse, rinse.. then pour slowly. It would be even better if you could fill with a hose and allow that to sit in a tub or similar. You can control the flow a lot easier that way and again, limit any disturbance of the substrate.

 

[walkers101]

Easiest way to add water with sand substrate is to place a dinner plate in the middle of the tank on top of the sand then pour water on the plate. the plate will disperse the water evenly. If the water turns cloudy you hav'nt washed the sand enough.