Breaking down tank for rebuild -- What is needed in temp QT tank?

[Atl300zx]

I am breaking down my 55 gallon for a substrate change, deep cleaning, etc.

I bought a 35 gallon rubbermaid container that I plan on filling up 3/4 of the way with tank water and running my normal canister filter in it with a heater.

Will this be sufficient to not get an ammonia spike? I have roughly 25 fish: 1 angelfish, and a bunch of smaller fish (platys, mollies, barbs, etc).

Also, how long will my fish be able to survive in this setup?

TIA

 

[jsoong]

You should be fine if you move everything over to the rubbermaid. However, if you don't transfer all the decor & substrate (cleaning/change), you might get a mini-cycle. It is best to monitor levels daily & do pwc if needed.

Your fish might be a bit crowded in a 35, but they should be OK for at least a few days. <Ideally, you want something close to the tank size - ie a 50 gal bucket would be better ... but 35 gal is close.> You might want to put something in the tank so the fish can hide if there is overcrowding & territorial issues.

I have done exactly what you are proposing with my goldies. They were fine in the tub for over 2 weeks. <Although I had only 6 fish in a 30 gal.>

 

[mgamer20o0]

sounds like you have a good plan. you really dont need tank water. it shouldnt take you more then a few hours to change everything over. if you are going to take longer i would do daily water changes and just keep a eye on them.