Upgrading a Tank

Hi all, eventually I want to upgrade from a 10 gal to a 20 gal, what is the best way to go about doing it step by step? I have eco complete gravel.

My thoughts were that I’d scoop all the old dirt into the new tank, then fill it with new dirt on top (or should new dirt go on the bottom?). Then drain most of the water from the old tank into the new tank. Move my decorations and plants over into the new tank. Fill the rest with new water, then move the fish from the old tank to the new.

The fish would stay in the old tank during the whole process to reduce stress of being put in a holding container. I know some people will say I don’t have to keep any of the old water, but I feel safer keeping it.

Thoughts?

 

Sounds like a pretty good plan.

 

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This may be a situation I would put them in a container. I would transfer most of the water before you mix up the substrate. Going to get Veeerrrrry gross in the tank you are mixing up. I would vacuum the gravel really good a few days before the move too. Run both filters for about a month to seed the new one.

 

This may be a situation I would put them in a container. I would transfer most of the water before you mix up the substrate. Going to get Veeerrrrry gross in the tank you are mixing up. I would vacuum the gravel really good a few days before the move too. Run both filters for about a month to seed the new one.

I wasn’t planning on getting a larger filter, the one I have is made for a 20 gal tank and I run a 10 gal sponge filter so I figured that’d be enough filtration. I have two filter cartridges in there together now.

You’re right the water is going to get so dirty.... better to move the fish

 

I'd put the fish in a bucket to keep them away from the mess. The new tank (I assume is planted if you're using eco complete) I would pour the new soil on the bottom without water and then add the old substrate on top. Then plant your plants, spritzing with water every so often to keep them moist.
After that is all done, add water into a bowl or colander then your filters.
You dont need the old water, but if you want it, it's fine.