10 to 29 gallon upgrade [Feedback and Advice requested!]

Hi All!

I'm upgrading from a 10 gallon to 29 gallon setup and I'd love feedback on the process that I'm going to follow. I included a photo of my 10 gal as well. Some context is that I've had the 10 gallon up and running for 1 month now and the initial cycle is near complete. Once the initial cycle is fully complete is when I'll start the transfer to the 29 gal.

Current Build:

• Standard 10 gallon aqueon tank
• Glass hood
• Aqueon planted light
• Fluval Aquaclear 30
• Aqueon 50W preset heater
• Gravel substrate
• Live plants
  • amazon sword
  • bacopa
  • java fern
  • pennywort
• Decor:
  • Driftwood
  • 2 Rocks
  • Tiki hut

Upgrade Build:

• 29 Gallon Visio aquarium
• Glass hood
• Aqueon planted light (Plan to upgrade beamswork LED https://www.amazon.com/Beamworks-Beamswork-Aquarium-Freshwater-Discus/dp/B01N4FS6ZU)
• Fluval aquaclear 50
• Aqueon adjustable 150W heater
• Substrate Layers:
  • black sand border
  • very bottom layer: gravel from 10 gal for BB
  • bottom layer: aquasoil (Fluval Stratum) with root tabs
  • Decor / soil cap layer: Seachem Flourite Black sand
• Live PLants:
  • existing plants + some carpet plants (Would love some plant recommendations for the bottom layer of the aquarium)
• Decor:
  • Driftwood (adding a few more pieces)
  • Rocks (would love some recommendations)
  • any aquascape advice for 29G appreciated

Transition Plan:

1. Construct new Aquarium Stand
2. Siphon some water into bucket (enough for fish to dwell in for an hour or two)
3. Take Livestock out of 10 gallon, and put them in the white bucket filled with water
4. Siphon an entire 5G bucket of water (50%)
5. Move small stand with 10 gallon aquarium out of the way, make room for permanent placement of 29Gallon
6. Put the newly constructed 29Gallon stand in place and place the 29 gallon aquarium on the stand
7. Clean glass of 29 gallon tank (with aquarium safe cleaner)
8. Lay Substrate
   1. Step 1: Do a border of black sand around the edges (~1-2 inches thick)
   2. Layer 1: Old gravel from 10 Gallon tank (inside the sand border)
   3. Layer 2: Aquasoil (Fluval Stratum), Add some root tabs at this layer
   4. Layer 3: 1-1.5 inches of black Sand
9. Add enough DECHLORINATED water to cover gravel & substrate layer
10. Lay decorations and aquascape live plants
11. Fill tank with water (using bag method)
    1. Add Dechlorinator!!!!!
12. Add Heater, Add New Filter WITH OLD MEDIA
    1. OR Run old and new filter together for a month

I've read mixed opinions on how to transition the filter. The two options are either:

1. Run both filters simultaneously (AC30 & AC50 for a month to let new filter gain BB), then remove Old filter after 1 month
2. Take existing filter media from AC30 and put it in the AC50

Final piece of context is that I'm not going to continue running the 10 gallon tank for now, so I will put away the 10G, and the Aquaclear 30 for the time being, until I decide what I want to put in it down the road. Thanks everyone!!!

 

Well, it looks like you have a plan. I am just curious why you are choosing to "cap" the Fluval Stratum. I mean its no harm-no foul, but capping is something usually done with dirt. In addition; another light to consider is the Hygger 24/7. Don't get me wrong, the Beamswork Pent is a good light, but you may be happier with this: https://www.amazon.com/hygger-Advan...lja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

 

yay, your upgrading, gonna follow this thread i was on the betts soroity therd to, love it!

 

Well, it looks like you have a plan. I am just curious why you are choosing to "cap" the Fluval Stratum. I mean its no harm-no foul, but capping is something usually done with dirt. In addition; another light to consider is the Hygger 24/7. Don't get me wrong, the Beamswork Pent is a good light, but you may be happier with this: https://www.amazon.com/hygger-Advanced-Intensity-Customize-Freshwater/dp/B08N4W388K/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=33ITTULOTZ8IY&keywords=hygger+aquarium+light&qid=1661546807&sprefix=hygger,aps,110&sr=8-3-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWVEyWkVYTVFMMk45JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTA1OTI5MlVHUE1SSlhNUTJRWCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODk0NDY5S09DRDE3QTE0MUZTJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

I heard Fluval stratum is pretty light and can be difficult to plant into. That's my decision behind capping it! Regarding the two filter options do you prefer one over the other? I think I'll just put the used filter media in the new filter to instant cycle it since I'm not planning on running both tanks at the same time, I'm putting the 10G away from now (until I can convince my girlfriend to let me run both lol).

 

Both filter options will work, but I like Option 1 better. Another thing to consider is using the 10 gallon as a quarantine tank. Quarantine Tank Setup for Aquarium Fish

 

Both filter options will work, but I like Option 1 better. Another thing to consider is using the 10 gallon as a quarantine tank. Quarantine Tank Setup for Aquarium Fish

Great idea maybe I’ll use it as a quarantine tank. I’ve never quarantined fish before adding them, although I do know it’s best practice. I’ll consider starting!

 

Like others have said, using the 10 gallon as a quarantine/sick tank is a great idea. If you don’t plan on keeping the 10 gallon up and running all of the time, can split the bio media in the larger filter into 2 bags so it is easy to just transfer some of the bio media into the smaller filter when you need it.

Many like to have a much larger filter than the manufacturer suggests on their tanks, so that is something to consider (although not necessary). Could get the AQ70 instead of the 50. Can also run both filters the 30 and 50 simultaneously if not going to run 10 gal all of the time and then you always have a fully cycled filter ready to go when you need it. I have a AC 50 on my 20 gallon. Have even successfully used it on a 5 gallon emergency tank with a dwarf gourami, who prefer slow moving water.

Be sure to water test the new tank before you set it up and test the new heater if you can as well. You want to keep the temp of the water in mind when making the transition to limit stress on the fish by match the temp of the water in the new tank to the temp of the water that the fish are currently in if possible.

May want to either run your filter on the bucket or use an air pump and stone to keep the water aerated. I got a USB rechargeable lithium battery powered air pump and and very happy with it. Runs like a regular air pump when plugged in but can run on internal battery power or a USB battery pack if electric goes out.

I had problems with white mold when i added driftwood to my newly set up tank, so may want to considering waiting until the tank has matured a little (at least a few months, I don't think the mold appeared for me until after a month or so) before adding more driftwood.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

How's it going, Bobf2022? I'm building a new 29 and interested to learn from what you've experienced so far.

 

Yes, any news? I can live vicariously thru you while I’m stuck with a 10g!!