dyson

i have just bought a second hand tank three foot wide, fifteen inches tall and a foot deep, i already have a two and half foot tank that contains a twelve inch or so plec fish ( i think thats what it is called im new to this). i would like to transfer this fish over to the new tank but dont know about cleaning the tank first [u]could some one advise me[/u] we are attached to this fish that we adopted two years ago and saved form being flushed away, he has doubled in size hence the new tank. im going to transfer him with the water but dont know about how much i can dilute it with new water. would appreciate an answer as soon as poss .

tan.b

first of all "welcome to fishlore" you'll love it here! lots of people to share stories and problems with and hopefully solve any problems you have. have a look around the site..there's loads on here and some fab people and fish too!!

I'd say if at all possible move as much of the gravel and decor and filter or at least the filter media (sponge) from the original tank into the new tank as you can, as this is where the friendly bacterias are, which convert the toxic ammonia and nitrite to the less toxic nitrate. this bacteria is very important. if you use new gravel and filter you will have to go through the nitogen cycle all over again with a chance of your fish becoming very stressed/ill and prone to disease and alot of water changes to keep these toxins at a safe level. if this is not possible at least use some of the gravel if possible. here's an article that explains the nitrogen cycle if you're* not familiar with it.
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm
as the water doesnt contain this bacteria it isnt important at all whether you move this across or not. i did when i moved tanks but for no other reason than peace of mind really! i used 50% from the original tank and topped up the remaining 50% with de-chlorinated water. if you dont have a test kit i recommend getting one so you can monitor the levels of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate so you can effectively manage a mini-nitrogen cycle should one occur with the move. aquarium pharmaceuticals inc (API) do an excellent one available at most local fish stores (LFS) or online pet stores. the test strips are notoriously inaccurate so avoid those if poss.
if the tank is grotty and needs a clean use just warm water as any soaps/detergents etc may leave a residue which may harm your pleco (or any other fish). for the outside of your tank you can use any cleaners/white vinegar so long as no spray gets IN the tank.
hope i've been of some use?
any questions do ask and i'm glad to hear your pleco is getting a new home and was saved from the porcelain express!!!
good luck, and hope to see you around the boards letting us know how you get on
Tan*