New Tank

[edd_hardy]

I just found out that I am going to be given a new 36X18X12 tank and was hoping to replace my current 14gallon tank with it. The problem is that I would like the new tank in the same place my tank is at the moment, so I cannot cycle the new tank and while keeping the fish in the old one.

Because my old tank currently has an undergravel filter I was planning to add a new external filter to this tank, let is grow bacteria (for a month or so?) and then in a single move (put the fish in a bucket or bin) and transfer everything in the old tank to the new tank keeping as many bacteria as possible alive.

I would like to know if this will work preventing the new tank cycling; if my current fish including neon tetras and dwarf gouramis will be ok with an extra filter while in the old tank; and if I should put my undergravel filter into the new tank as well as the new external filter.

Thanks in advance
Edd

 

[White Whale]

Why not use gravel from the old tank with some of its water to help aid in the cycle of the new tank? Or maybe let your old filter run with the new tank?

 

[edd_hardy]

Thanks for the reply,
That was what I was planning to do, transfer as much stuff as possible. I don't know if I should keep the filter as it will only cover 2/3 of the base of the tank.

Edd

 

[wuvmybetta]

Here's what I'd do. All in one day


Get a large Rubbermaid rectangular shaped storage bin and move all of the fish and most of the water into the container, hook up the filter over the side and let it run while you move the small tank out of the way. Set up the big tank and move all of the gravel/decor from the small one into the new one.

Fill it half way with clean dechlorinated water and scoop some of the water that your fish are in into the new tank, replace their water with water from the tank so that your acclimating them at the same time. Do that several times,using larger amounts of water each time, and then empty out almost all of the water from the bin and put the filter on the tank and then dump the fish in. That's how I did it a couple of months ago when I set up my 120 and it worked perfectly,the same week I moved some fish from a 50 to a 29 using the same method. This way you won't lose any of your beneficial bacteria at all.

 

[wuvmybetta]

Just realized you said you had a ug filter. I'd go ahead and do it as I mentioned and just put the new filter on after the tank is set up.

If your more patient than I am...letting the filter run for a couple of weeks before the move is also a good idea. But I really think it would be fine since your still keeping a large percentage of your bacteria in the gravel/water/decor

 

[Inchworm]

Hi edd_hardy

Your new tank is what is called a 30 Gallon Breeder. It is twice the size of the tank you presently use, but you will still be able to transfer enough of your bacteria into it to use it right away. The only caution I would give you is to not be tempted to add new fish for a couple of weeks so that the bacteria will have time to get established and multiply.

It is a good idea to set up your new filter right away so that it can collect bacteria and be ready to go once you make the move.

Beneficial bacteria clings to all the surfaces in the aquarium. It is mostly in your gravel and filter, but there is also a lot on the glass, plants and decorations, so if you will be adding new plants and/or decorations to your new tank, go ahead and put them right into your old one so that they, too, will collect it. The water, itself, has very few beneficial bacteria, but I would fill the new tank 1/3 to 1/2 full of it and use fresh, dechlorinated water for the rest.

When you make the move, it is very important to be sure that none of the bacteria dries out. As for the old underground filter, you probably won't want to set it up in your new tank, but you might want to hang it in there for a few days so that the bacteria can migrate.

A day or two before the move, give your gravel a very good cleaning so that you won't be moving any more dirt than you have to since this is likely to cloud your water. You can uproot your plants at this time if necessary to do the job right

Setting up your new tank will be a lot of work, but your planning will pay off. If, at a later time, you want to set up your original tank again, it will be easy to do using gravel, etc. from your new one, and it can be done without causing any harm to it.

Good luck!