sheamurai

Hi
I am upgrading from a 10 to a 20 gallon tank. I've been told by two guys at the same store two different things. One said if I transfer everything from one tank to the other, and top up with safe water, it will all be good.
The other guy said it will be just like starting a new tank and I shouldn't put fish in it right away.

Who do I believe?

I am setting up the new tank right now, and hoping to move everyone and everything over tonight, but not top up with new water completely hoping to avoid triggering a new cycle.

Suggestions?

BulldogWrestler

If you're using the same filter - I don't really see what the problem would be with just transfering the water and topping off with same temperature, safe water. Would be just like doing a 50% wc imo.

If you're not using the same filter - then yeah, you would need to start fresh (as the filter is what contains the vast majority of the beneficial bacteria).

Another option is to change it over using your 10 gallon filter, let the filter run for awhile on its own and then adding a new filter to go along with it.

Stephen 31

Hi
If your tank is cycled and your transfer the substrate and filter over (including the media) your tank should be cycled pretty much straight away.
assuming you haven't rinsed them with tap water or anything. But yeah if you just transfered everything over you should be good to go good luck

Stephen

sheamurai

k - thanks guys - I am transferring over Everything, plus using the old filter on the new tank in addition to the new filter.
Just waiting now for the sediment to settle a bit before adding my fish.
Thanks!

sheamurai

24 hours later - Everyone and everything transferred over, even a new gourami and shrimp added - all levels are fine!
Thanks guys

Stephen 31

Thats cool.
What kind of shrimp did you get? can you post pics?

sheamurai

Just ghost shrimp, but I am going to add cherry shrimp shortly.
Sorry for no pics - hard to get good ones of shrimp!

joy1125

just be careful if you plan on adding more fish. You don't want to add too many all at once, it'll overload the present filter you have brought over from the 10 gallon tank.

Have you also added another new filter as well, and are running both now? That is what I suggest doing, as the 10 gallon filter may not be enough for the new larger 20 gallon.


Good luck with your new tank !

eiginh

That's great everything is going well, how are the water parameters in your new tank?

sheamurai

Well, this is kinda an old post. I did indeed overstock my 20 gal - tho my water parameters were fine. I've now upgraded yet again - but for the last time! - to a 77gal that I picked up used.
Parameters:
ammonia 0
nitrate 5mg/l
nitrite <0.3mg/l
but its early yet (only been running this tank for 5 days.
But I am running the old filter from the 20 gal in it, and have picked up a canister filter which is running. Here's a pic of the new tank...
http://www.fishlore.com/fishpicture/...php?photo=9572

How long should I run the old 20 gal filter before taking it out? I want to make sure the cycle is solid before I remove it.

eiginh

Two weeks but you are upgrading to a much bigger tank so it might take longer. Other users should have better suggestions. Beautiful tank!

Robin4

sheamurai

thanks for the kudos - its really is great to move fish into a new aquarium - they really do seem much happier...
But I just gotta quit buying fish!!!!!!!!
Is there a site for impulse-fish-buyers?

eiginh

Aquabid and this site lol.

sheamurai

lol - nooooooo I need to STOP buying fish!!!
aquabid, you say?

Borisbbadd

Nice tank !!!