Over the weekend we will be moving everything from the 10gal tank to a new 40 gal tank.
Here is the process I am thinking of
Do a partial drain of the old tank into a large bucket (5 gallons) and transfer the fish (5 zebra danio/glofish - small), heater, some plants into it and cover with a cloth to keep it darker.
Finish draining the old tank but keeping the gravel and filter media submerged/wet and move it all out of the way.
Move the new tank (already been washed out and dried) into it's place/level, add the new gravel (after it has been washed, etc) fill 1/4 of the way with dechlorinated water (Seachem) that is already to temperature.
Add the new gravel as the top level, add the various decorations/plastic plants, etc while slowly filling the new tank. Insert the main heater which is adjustable and insert the preset non adjustable smaller heater for a backup.
When filled - turn on filter with the old media inserted behind the new media.
Add the stress/coat additive.
Let run for a couple hours, perform the full water test (API Master) and then drip acclimate the fish in the bucket to the new tank.
1 - 2 hours later add new fish to tank with lights off.
Is my process sound?
Once I move my old tank out of the way and it only being 10 gallons, should I remove the gravel and refill it with the water I removed and place the fish in there instead of a bucket?
Should I rinse the old gravel at all prior to placing it in the new tank?
Should I add Tetra Safe Start to the new tank as well?
Should I use any of the old tank water in the new tank?
I want to do whatever is the least amount of stress to the fish as possible and assure they make the transition successfully.
Here is the process I am thinking of
Do a partial drain of the old tank into a large bucket (5 gallons) and transfer the fish (5 zebra danio/glofish - small), heater, some plants into it and cover with a cloth to keep it darker.
Finish draining the old tank but keeping the gravel and filter media submerged/wet and move it all out of the way.
Move the new tank (already been washed out and dried) into it's place/level, add the new gravel (after it has been washed, etc) fill 1/4 of the way with dechlorinated water (Seachem) that is already to temperature.
Add the new gravel as the top level, add the various decorations/plastic plants, etc while slowly filling the new tank. Insert the main heater which is adjustable and insert the preset non adjustable smaller heater for a backup.
When filled - turn on filter with the old media inserted behind the new media.
Add the stress/coat additive.
Let run for a couple hours, perform the full water test (API Master) and then drip acclimate the fish in the bucket to the new tank.
1 - 2 hours later add new fish to tank with lights off.
Is my process sound?
Once I move my old tank out of the way and it only being 10 gallons, should I remove the gravel and refill it with the water I removed and place the fish in there instead of a bucket?
Should I rinse the old gravel at all prior to placing it in the new tank?
Should I add Tetra Safe Start to the new tank as well?
Should I use any of the old tank water in the new tank?
I want to do whatever is the least amount of stress to the fish as possible and assure they make the transition successfully.