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Changing over my fish to a new tank

3K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  Twistersmom 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi Everyone.

I have a new replacement tank and it's the exact same tank that I currently have. There was a problem with the acrylic and I finally got a new Eclipse from the company.

Can anyone make a suggestion as to how to go about the switch-over so there is as little stress as possible? I've been putting this off, but the latest crack isn't looking good so it needs to be done ASAP.

My tank is overstocked but- it's been up and running for more than 2 years and these are mostly the same breed fish that I raised from eggs, so it was a slow progression, and the tank adjusted bio-filtration wise anyway. I am worried that when I make the switch I will have to clean the substrate and really throw the balance off. I have

I have used Biospira and have had awesome results, so I am thinking of adding another packet of that after the change, and I plan on keeping the artificial plants as is, no cleaning.

I'm trying to figure out-

Do I get a plastic bucket from Walmart and use my battery operated aerator?
Do I let the new setup run for a few hours to get the water filtered, or put my fish back into murky water?
Should I put the plants and other decorations into the bucket?
How long can many fish live in a bucket like that?
Should I use some of the water from the old tank, just for consistency’s sake?
How long do you think this should take me? The tank is 12 gallons.

Thanks in advance for the suggestions.
 
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#2 ·
I think you should be able to get the job done in a couple hours. I would get a couple 5gal buckets. One to put your fish in, another to keep your filter media and decor wet. Your fish should be fine in the bucket with an aerator. I would not clean the gravel, place it in the new tank, add your decor. Fill it part way with dechlorinated water, fill it the rest of the way with the old tank water the fish are in, along with the fish. Get your filter and heater going again. Since you are not changing tank sizes the heater should be set correctly. The murky water will not hurt the fish and the filter should clear it up in a day or two.
 
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