Raised P.h + Changed From Sand To Gravel + House Move!

[emilythestrange]

Brought two bags of fine black gravel from pets at home today.
 
Im just after some advice, as i dont want to make a major mistake.
 
I really want to take out all of the argos play sand, as im having problems with it. I haven't got a clue how i will get every grain out! any tips?
 
Also im now 100% moving on friday...  Is it wise to change the substrate now, which will need a largish w/.c then another on friday?, where ill need 5% water remaining so the tank can be lifted by 2 men. This time i may put the 6 fish+2 shrimps and filter in a bucket. (is this ok)?
 
Im so confused with it all. 
 
 
my water stats (done a whole freshwater master api liquid dropper test)
 
ph. 8ppm (tested before and it was 7.2ppm, what could have caused the raise? is 8.0 alright?
ammonia 0ppm
nitrite 0ppm
nitrate 40-80ppm., looks more like 40ppm to me.. 90% certain
 

 

[MBOU]

Leave substrate change until you move in my opinion! A ph of 8 isn't that awful unless you have tempermental soft water species...
 
I would wait until you move, take fish out, drain down and save 50-60% of water and take it with you (get cheap storage boxes from Asda or wilkos) making sure you keep your filter media in that water and wet!
 
Net out all the sand you can and use a siphon (any bit of pipe will do) and siphon the rest of the sand out, easy peasy then move the tank completely empty! Less risk of cracking base of tank then!
 
When you get where you are going, rinse and add new gravel, add the 50 of old water and fish and then filter and heater etc and top up with dechlorinated tap water so the tank has a 50% water change and a substrate change but nothing too shocking and less risk of water stats going squiffy..

 

[emilythestrange]

I have a little spare aquarium clearseal dimensions 

46x41x30cm (18x16x12")
would it be ok to put the fish in there with old water and filter,heater, and plant. for a week or so, until i can re set up the new tank.
its a good job i dont have many fish at the moment!
 
I also need to buy new dechlorinator too, can i mix types. which is best value ?

 

[MBOU]

Sure sounds a good plan as no one wants to be faffing with a tank when moving house!!
 
So long as you keep as much water as possible and the filter.... you will effectively be creating clones of your current tank! I would keep the temporary tank with no substrate, plants, pebbles or ornaments to hide around but no gravel etc...
 
Then gives you chance to set up main tank and rinse new gravel when in less of a rush!
 
Doesn't matter which dechlorinator you use as they all do pretty much the same thing....
 
Lots of people rave about Prime but to be honest its a nightmare to get hold of and unless you have lots of/big tanks, its just not worth it!
 
A good one is Interpets Bioactive Tapsafe as even their smallest bottle treats about 1300L for about £5.49 and has the bonus of added biological supplement... probably worst for value is Tetra AquaSafe as it doesn't go very far at all and when they all do the same thing... meh... all you are looking for is value without going too mad....
 
It certainly wouldn't hurt to invest in a pot (about £10) of Evolution Aqua 'Pure' balls, a slow release form of bacteria/biological supplement... whilst many dislike the idea of it... it certainly doesn't hurt to add bacteria and sometimes (like when moving tanks and stressing fish and filters!!) it is far better to be safe than sorry!!

 

[emilythestrange]

With the mopani wood and the 1 plant, what would be the best thing to do? the plant is sunk in the sand at the moment, and its very hardy, i'd hate to kill it off. also how to store the wood/ should i stack it in the new tank. its probably around 50 litres, and i have 3 cories, 2 tetras, 1 male guppy and two shrimp
 
 
thanks!