Replacing Fish Tank

[mrpotts]

I have ordered a new tank as my 36insx18insx12ins has sprung a big leak. The tank I am getting is a bit larger but I need to dismantle/move the old tank to put the new one in the same place. I just dont know the best way to go about it as I haven't a "spare tank". How do I transfer the fish etc and how quickly is safe?The new tank is a Juwel vision 120 . with internal filter etc.

 

[KittyKat]

This is what I would do:
1. Drain the old tank, keeping as much water as I have buckets for. Put fish in one bucket, plants in another, filter into a third. Ornaments and substrate can go on a towel or into any odd (but clean!) container you have.
2. Move the old tank out of the way.
3. Position and set up the new tank.
4. Fill the new tank with dechlorinated tap water (get it to temperature using water boiled in the kettle or out of the hot tap). Feel free to use a hose if you have one. Leave space for substrate, ornaments. and old tank water
5. Once it is the right temperature, add the substrate, plants ornaments, filter and old water to the tank.
6. Add the fish and remaining water.
7. Run filters parallel for 6 weeks or move all media from old filter into new filter.

You should be fine to take as much as 6 hours over it. The fish might need an airstone while in the bucket and a heater, depending on your stocking and house temperature.