I just picked up a used 55 gallon tank with fish. We drained quite a bit of the water for the transport. How much should I add back tonight? I don't want to stress the fish anymore than I need to. The guy I bought it from recommended I only put about 15 gallons in right now, and then put some more water in tomorrow. What do you guys think?
Refilling 55 Gallon Tank After Transport
- Thread starter mancin
- Start date
lyotim88
Fishaholic
I think that the more water, the better off you are as long as it's dechlorinated and that you shouldn't have moved it with water in it.
There was barely any water left in it. That's why I'm asking how much to add back. I thought I had heard both ways you can transport with the fish in there with very little water, or move them all to a bucket.
fatheadminnow
Fish Aficionado
I would fill it all the way up.
With the tank filled all the way, you are giving the fish more room to swim + fresh water, which is going to make their stress level go down faster.
If you just fill it a little bit, your fish are probably going to be stressed out a lot still, because they will have a very restricted area to swim, which will make them crowded and stressed.
I am assuming that since it is a 55 gallon, that the fish you have in there are fairly big, which require a larger water volume.
So I would fill it all the way up.
Just put water dechlor in your water when you add it to the tank.
-FHM
With the tank filled all the way, you are giving the fish more room to swim + fresh water, which is going to make their stress level go down faster.
If you just fill it a little bit, your fish are probably going to be stressed out a lot still, because they will have a very restricted area to swim, which will make them crowded and stressed.
I am assuming that since it is a 55 gallon, that the fish you have in there are fairly big, which require a larger water volume.
So I would fill it all the way up.
Just put water dechlor in your water when you add it to the tank.
-FHM
Sounds good to me. I thought it was a bit strange to not fill it up completely, but I'm still quite the newbie so I thought I'd ask you guys since there are several experts on here.
Aquariums are designed to be stable in a static position. Moving with anything such as substrate or water stresses the seams & frame. This can lead to things such as cracked frames, leaks, or catastrophic failure.
That makes sense. I'll keep that in mind for next time. I thought if the water was low enough it wouldn't cause a problem and the guy I bought it from has been into fish for awhile so I took his word for it.
fatheadminnow
Fish Aficionado
Yeah, it is not a very good idea to transport a tank with any sort of weight in it (water, substrate, etc...).
Like Tolak said, a tank is designed to be stable in a none-moving position, where there is equal pressure on all surfaces and seals.
When transporting a tank with water/substrate in it, there is going to be unequal weight on the base where your hands are holding it.
Just as long as it doesn't leak when you fill it you should be fine. Just keep an eye on it for a little while after you have filled it to the desired level.
-FHM
Like Tolak said, a tank is designed to be stable in a none-moving position, where there is equal pressure on all surfaces and seals.
When transporting a tank with water/substrate in it, there is going to be unequal weight on the base where your hands are holding it.
Just as long as it doesn't leak when you fill it you should be fine. Just keep an eye on it for a little while after you have filled it to the desired level.
-FHM
I've got it about 3/4 full right now and so far so good.
fatheadminnow
Fish Aficionado
Thats good!
Yeah, just fill it all the way up....it will be fine!
and the fishies will like the fresh water!
-FHM
Yeah, just fill it all the way up....it will be fine!
and the fishies will like the fresh water!
-FHM
lyotim88
Fishaholic
I hope that dresser's stable enough. What do you plan on putting in it? it looks good, a background would make it look much better
fatheadminnow
Fish Aficionado
Looking good! 
-FHM
-FHM
It's an old antique buffet stand. Completely solid. The only things I plan on storing inside are fish accessories.
lyotim88
Fishaholic
oh ok. I meant what are you putting in the tank?(fish wise)
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