Trying to upgrade - need some advice

[AnotherWoogie]

I'm about to set up my 55 gal to upgrade my 30 gal community tank. I'm wondering if y'all have any tips on the best way to do this. I'm going to use the same substrate and everything, so how do I set up the 55 with the gravel in the 30 in the easiest way?  Also, I'm wanting to put the 55 tank in the same place that the 30 is set up, so how do I do this in the most effective way?


Also...(sorry!!!) should I put all the water from the 30 into the 55 and then fill the rest with fresh water or should I just put all fresh water into the 30?  I've upgraded tanks before, but never ones this big so any advice would help. Thanks so much!!!  Oh, and I have a 5 and 2-1 gal buckets to work with if this helps at all in your advice. Haha..TIA

[edkrueger]

Re: Trying to upgrade - need some advice

Don't reuse the water from the 30, but do move the filter to the 55.

[armthehomeless]

Re: Trying to upgrade - need some advice

Here is what I would do:

- Drain your 30 gallon tank into a trash  with an unscented liner.
- Move the tanks the way that you want them.
- Switch the Substrate over
- I would (and have) save a good portion of the water. This way there isn't much fluctuation in the water temperature.
- Use a powerhead/external affixed to a tube to pump water from the trash can back in.
- Sit back and watch your new setup!

There are many ways to do it. This is just a method that I have become accustomed to.

[Brownsnoutuk]

Re: Trying to upgrade - need some advice

Here is what I would do:

- Drain your 30 gallon tank into a trash  with an unscented liner.
- Move the tanks the way that you want them.
- Switch the Substrate over
- I would (and have) save a good portion of the water. This way there isn't much fluctuation in the water temperature.
- Use a powerhead/external affixed to a tube to pump water from the trash can back in.
- Sit back and watch your new setup!

There are many ways to do it. This is just a method that I have become accustomed to.

Then:
Add new water,
Add dechlorinator,
Wait 10 minutes,
Plug filters back in,
Add the fish into the 55.

Its no good if you leave the fish in a bucket. :P

[armthehomeless]

Re: Trying to upgrade - need some advice

Right.  8)

[AnotherWoogie]

Re: Trying to upgrade - need some advice

Hahahaha. Awesome. Thanks guys


One more question - how would you suggest I move the substrate? The 30 is a little big to just pick up and dump :P

[Brownsnoutuk]

Re: Trying to upgrade - need some advice

I use a dustpan, You can use a plastic cup, a plate, a garden trowel...anything flat - just be careful you dont scratch the glass.

[spyke1969]

Re: Trying to upgrade - need some advice

I use a plastic cup or kids sand bucket

[armthehomeless]

Re: Trying to upgrade - need some advice

I use a plastic cup as well.

[Tiapan]

Re: Trying to upgrade - need some advice

i prefer mardi-gras cups , but that may just be because i always have some lying around.

[Mzungu]

Re: Trying to upgrade - need some advice



Plastic cup here, as well. Be sure to have the fish and water in the bucket, first, before you remove the gravel.  :)