Upgrading Tank Size

[noclueman]

I've had a 10 gallong tank for about 8 months or so now and I just got a good deal in a 55 gallon tank.

I have searched the boards and read a lot but I figured I'd add a topic also.

Right now I have
3 zebra danio's
2 red eyed tetras,
3 Oto's
1 Pictus Cat
1 Angel
1 Gourami

I have the new tank a little over half full now and I was wondering what was the best way to prepare it for these fish...then I will add more later. Am I supposed to try to transfer water from the 10 gallon and stuff like that? (I wasn't sure, that's why I only filled it halfway so far.)

I do not have the filter, heater, or light yet, they will be coming this week. Is there anything I can do while I'm waiting for those?

Also, I use sand in my 10 gallon and I like it, so I want to use sand in the 55 gallon as well. I'm wondering where the best place to get the sand is. Last time I just got it from a nearby sand volleyball court and washed it all out.

Also in this thread I'd be interested to hear what other kinds of fish you guys think I should add the the tank when it's ready.

Thanks for all the advice,
noclueman

 

[bunjiweb]

I suggest using the sand if that is what you had in your 10g, besides it usually looks nicer.
Take filter medium (some of the sponge or something) from your 10G filter and place it in the filter for your 55G tank.
Next let the tank cycle for a couple of days, feeding the tank with algae wafers or flake.
Now you can add the fish from your 10G. Place them all in bags and aclimatise them like you would if you had just bought them.

With the fish you have already I would suggest getting 3 more danios, 4 or 5 more red-eye tetra and another pictus cat. You could possibly also get another angel fish.
Just remember that pictus cats and angels are potentially quite big at adult size so dont overstock your new tank!

Ben

 

[noclueman]

Thanks for the advice, I'll do that. I just cleaned some sand and put it in today. It looks like I'll be getting the filter, heater, and lights on saturday from fed ex.

Would it be a bad idea for me to put some plants in there before I get the light?

Thanks again

 

[nino]

i would think it'd be ok for you to put some plants in the tank already, as long as they are not to sensitive to heating/coldness and as long as your tank isn't in a completely dark room it should be fine. remember, when people ship plants to one another, they don't see light for a couple of days. so you might as well start setting up your tank.