kschimmenti

I'm thinking of upgrading my 40 gallon hex to a larger bowfront sometime in the near future. I'm just wondering about the logistics of this and the best way to change everything over. I'd put the larger tank in the same place the current one is so how would I go about that? Would I have to drain, move then restock the current tank, then install and fill the new tank to let it cycle before moving the livestock over? Or is there a better/easier way??

Shawnie

if you upgrade, you move everything over to the new tank all at the same time..fish/filter/subtrate/decorations etc....you can empty the current tank in a bucket and put everything in that bucket to keep it wet long enough to move them around..also in anotehr bucket , you can put more water from the current tank and put your fish in it...provided you keep everything wet, it will be good to go in the new tank ....id fill with mostly new water in the new tank as long as its the same temp, and close to the same pH you will be good...

kschimmenti

Thanks, that makes more sense. So as long as I'm using all the same media I don't need to cycle the new tank?

Shawnie

as long as the current tank is cycled, move everything over...not just the media but everything..if you are going to change the subtrate, gather the current stuff up and hang it in the new tank in a nylon or net of some kind for a few weeks...dont add any new fish for now...give the new tank and same fish etc, a month of good stable readings before you add any more fish....what size of upgrade are you thinking of?

aquarist48

Congrats on the upgrade! Sounds like Shawnie has you covered well!
Best of luck with the move.
Ken

alicem

Good advise from Shawnie I would like to add a couple more suggestions for you to consider:
When you clean the filter, do it at least 2 or more weeks before the move.
This way the good bacteria growing on/in the filter has a chance to build up again.

Don't clean the filter at the time you move things to your new tank.
After the move, don't clean the filter for a while.
You can dump the dirty water out of it, but don't change the filter cartridge or floss for a little longer than you normally would.

It will be even more important to keep up your partial water changes and gravel vacs
to help the filter last better during this extended time.

Once things settle down and you are confident about your ammonia/nitrite readings,
you can go back into your regular filter maintenance routine.
hth,
alicem

aquarist48

Note: I would like to suggest that you add the fish that is in the bucket with the old water into the new tank (after your substrate and decor) and possibly a little more then add your new water. This will help you from having to acclimate your fish and stress them even more. Be sure that the pH level in the bucket is the same or even a little lower than the new water to prevent pH shock. So the pH in the new water can be a bit "higher" with no problems. Lowering your pH can be fatal if done too quickly.
The good bacteria that your tank needs is not free floating but attached to all surface areas, mainly your filter and substrate. That is why it's not recommended to add all of the old water back into the tank.
Keep it fun and keep us posted.
Ken