mrs.bigeddi

Well, it's been 4 months with my 1st tank and I'm going to move up a little to a 20 gal. Not much more room, but my fish will be happier. Anyway, I've been reading about using sand (for my kuhlis) instead of gravel and would like to try it, and I thought a tank upgrade would be a good time. What is the easiest way to transfer them without too much fuss? Once I get the sand rinsed and prepared, can I start off with the water from the 10 gal and add new, like a water change? Or will it have to cycle? Will I want to use some of the gravel? How much sand would you recommend for a 20 gal?

Amanda

The water doesn't hold the bacteria, but the substrate will. If you want the 20 gal. to cycle faster, use the substrate from the 10 gal., you may also want to use some filter media from the 10 gal. in the new 20 gal. I used Tetra Safe Start in my 55 gal. and it cycled within 2 days. So that's another option.

Dino

If you like the color, use pool filter sand.
It does not have to be rinsed.

Transfering your tank decorations, water, and filter should pretty much cycle the new tank. By using some of the gravel, you make sure that there is even less of a chance of a problem with the tank cycling.
Netting the fish is probably the best way to move them.
Generally, we use a pound of substrate ( sand/gravel ) per gallon of water.
With sand, you do best to keep it at about 1/2 an inch or less, to keeping it from forming gas pockets.

Yes, water does carry good bacteria, just not at the level decor, gravel or filter media does.

jdhef

And you should be able to put some of your old substrate in a clean pair of pantyhose and put it in your tank. That way the old gravel won't mix with the sand and you can just remove it after a few weeks.

BTW what kind of Betta will you be getting for that 10 gallon tank?

ShaynaB

haha we're all such enablers here... but seriously now, i'd get a nice handsome male betta for that tank!

Amanda

I vote for a betta in the 10 gal. Maybe even divide it for 2 bettas! I have pics up if you want to see what a divided one looks like.

mrs.bigeddi

Ha ha ha! You made me laugh! As much as I would like to keep the 10 gal going, my husband would have issues. He has been complaining that I give it too much attention as is. Thanks for the good advise. Okay, so I will probably get the pool sand for the tank. After I put that in, decorations and fake plants, water from 10 gal, fresh water, old filter, and old gravel in hose, will I need to wait for it to cycle? Or can the fish go in the same day? Did I forget anything?

Dino

The fish can go in the same day.

mrs.bigeddi

What is it about bettas that are so addictive?

jdhef

The same thing that makes me so addictive, beauty and personality.

Although usally when some asks what I look like people respond with "He's got a great sense of humor"

ShaynaB

Their personalities are fantastic and they're beautiful little fish.

This site helps feed addictions too. If I had room and energy and time, I'd have a betta of every color and it doesn't help that a bunch of people on this site have such GORGEOUS fish. haha We have tons of enablers here!

Blub

Well... They are so clever and such big personalitys (They are underwater puppys!) and are so stunning to look at, coupled with their modest requirements.

welshalien

And here I was going to say it was your modesty, John!

Kelly

jdhef

Hey what can I say, I'm perfect...it's my only flaw.

COBettaCouple

Bettas are very intelligent fish with complex personalities that absolutely love human interaction. They're curious and a bit naughty at times and are easy to establish a pet-bond with.