Changing Tanks

Sara and Maybelle are getting a new 29-gallon tank Tuesday. It replaces the 20-gallon they're in now and needs to go in the same spot. By the way, I know a larger tank would be even better.

Two questions I've thought about:

• I'm not expecting any spikes in water parameters. Should I be?
• Do I need to do anything to the inside of the new tank beyond wiping it out with tank water?

There may well be questions I should be asking that I haven't thought of. This is my first time doing this. Please advise if you think I'm missing something.

I've made a checklist to help assure a smooth operation and reduce the chances I do something dumb. Look it over if you have the time and inclination. Any suggestions you think might be helpful are welcome.

Checklist:

1. Unbox new tank
2. Wipe inside of new tank with tank water and clean rag
3. Use suction cups to position tubing for air stone in new tank
4. Remove and set aside HOB filter
5. Move about 3 gallons of tank water, both fish, the snail, and one airstone to a 5-gallon tub
6. Move most of the water from old tank to buckets leaving enough water to cover pump + 2"
7. Unplug and remove water pump supplying the grow bed
8. Vacuum gravel
9. Move all substrate to a bucket
10. Remove last bottom pipe from grow bed drain
11. Move last of water from old tank to bucket
12. Replace empty old tank with empty new tank
13. Move pump to new tank
14. Add air stone to new tank
15. Add substrate to new tank
16. Add tank water to cover pump
17. Replace bottom of grow bed drain
18. Plug in pump and verify operation
19. Add old tank water to fill new tank half way
20. Compare temperature of water in new tank and water in bucket with fish and snail
21. Move fish and snail to new tank, gradually equalizing temperature if necessary
22. Replace rest of old water
23. Top off with prepared new tank water
24. Replace HOB filter

If you've read this far, Thank you.

 

Sounds like you have a plan. Just make sure the filter media doesn't dry out.

 

One major thing I’m not seeing on your list. I guess it’s easily overlooked by lots of us. But, for the health and welfare of your fish/snail and you it really needs to be addressed. Don’t take this wrong, it sounds like you put a lot of thought into this move. But one important, very important thing you’ve not listed: stop and catch your breath occasionally. I know you want to get it over with and be done but if you step back and take a deep breath, I’ll be much calmer. I mean, you’ll be much calmer.

 

One major thing I’m not seeing on your list. I guess it’s easily overlooked by lots of us. But, for the health and welfare of your fish/snail and you it really needs to be addressed. Don’t take this wrong, it sounds like you put a lot of thought into this move. But one important, very important thing you’ve not listed: stop and catch your breath occasionally. I know you want to get it over with and be done but if you step back and take a deep breath, I’ll be much calmer. I mean, you’ll be much calmer.

To tell the truth, I'm more of a "step back and open another beer" kind of guy.

 

To tell the truth, I'm more of a "step back and open another beer" kind of guy.

There ya go! I feel better knowing you’ve got the hard part covered!