Changing tanks...advice?
Fri, 04/09/2010 - 10:26
Hi everyone!
I've been thinking recently about switching out my 29 gallon tall tank for a 20 gallon long (on the same stand). I just prefer long tanks for whatever reason. Also the tank I'm using now I got from someone else, who for whatever strange reason had painted the back white...which is not my favorite! Anyway, i've never done this before, but was thinking that if I simply moved everything from one tank to another (water, plants, filter, etc.) that there shouldn't be too much stress on the inhabitants (platys/snails) and I wouldn't need to cycle a new tank. Is this crazy talk or would it work?
Thanks.
Fri, 04/09/2010 - 11:18
#2
I tried and it wouldn't budge:( Its almost like he sanded the glass and then painted it. Besides that I just have a lot of unused space at the top of the tank...everyone likes to stay down around the plants and such.
Fri, 04/09/2010 - 20:05
#3
Jessie, I think that you are right on track, the hardest part will be moving the substrate. I would move the inhabitants to a quarantine tank (let me know if you want to borrow a 10 gallon) and then move your plants to bin with water, drain, move the substrate and then go back in reverse. While you are moving everything just run your filter in the 10 gallon. You might even put your plants in there as well. You are right that you will not have to cycle your tank.
Sound easy? Well it will be a pain, but I am sure it can be done. I would just dedicate at least 4-5 hours to do it and take my time. Seriously though, I have 10 gallons if you want to use one. Also, would you want to get rid of that 29? I have been in the market for sump. Let me know.
Sun, 04/11/2010 - 23:31
#4
Jessie,
Your plan should work. I've done it several times. If you move everything quick enough, I've just used a 5 gallon bucket before to hold stuff in between. Just make sure you don't let the filter dry out.
Good luck!
You can probably remove the white paint with a razor blade if that is what is bothering you the most.