Transfering to New Tank

[JMack]

I've got a 5 G tank that through other posts I know to be undersized for the two goldfish living there. I was able to pick up a larger tank and I'm waiting now for the temperature to get to where the other tank is to minimize stress on the fish. The tank is full and the filter is running, just to make sure everything works as it should.

I'm going to use the gravel from the small tank for the larger one. I plan on using the filter media as well and running the tank for at least a few hours before transfering the fish.

Is there anything else I should think of doing?

[robflanker]

first question is - how large is this larger tank?

what filter are you using?

if you cycled ull need to the keep the filter media indefinitely

[Lab_Rat]

Make sure you transfer all of the filter media to the new tank along with the gravel and decor.

May I ask what size the new tank is and what sort of goldfish you have? If you've got fancies then 20g for 1 plus 10g for each additional should be ok, but comets and commons need much more space at 55+ gallons. Ideally they would be in a pond.

[Kaz]

I've got a 5 G tank that through other posts I know to be undersized for the two goldfish living there. I was able to pick up a larger tank and I'm waiting now for the temperature to get to where the other tank is to minimize stress on the fish. The tank is full and the filter is running, just to make sure everything works as it should.

I'm going to use the gravel from the small tank for the larger one. I plan on using the filter media as well and running the tank for at least a few hours before transfering the fish.

Is there anything else I should think of doing?

What size is the tank you are switching to?

EDIT: Two other goofballs asked the same question seconds before I could.

[JMack]

Tank is 15G - I know not the size I need but it's a quick solution to improve the situation while we figure out the permanent one. I'm looking for a home for one or both of the GFs, but for now it's the 15G. The tank they are in has just gone downhill fast (3-4 water changes a week and still cloudy) and I need to get them out of there. There are no other fish in the tank at least.

The filter I'm switching to is an Aquatech 10/20 and I have a test kit to keep track of water quality.

[Lab_Rat]

15g is better than 5 for sure, but won't last long. Try to rehome them asap, maybe post on craigslist to see if anyone who has a goldfish pond wants them. Then we can help you properly stock the 15g tank!

[JMack]

Working on it. Got into this because of an excited four year old and a well meaning set of grandparents. Now I'm excited about it, but am trying to get passed some of the mistakes made so far.

So either way, what's the best way to get the 15 started right now?

[LethalResistanz]

Are the comets?

Heaters are pretty cheap and in my opinion some small tropical fish are cooler then goldfish.

[Algenco]

Thanks for doing the right thing for the fishthumbs2:

[LethalResistanz]

I'd transfer all the media to the new tank. Along with decor gravel and such.

Then I'd put the 5g of water from the established tank into the new one. Add the rest of the water as needed to fill it. Acclimate the fish and you should be fine.


That is of course if the 5g is cycled.

[JMack]

The 5G has been populated for about 7 months, GFs for probably about 6, so I can consider that cycled, right?

And continue looking for a home for the GFs. Or a 30 G tank. Or both.

Thanks for the advice

[Lady Hobbs]

Comets are pond fish and if you know of someone who has one, there goes your problem. They get around a foot long. They also do not need a heater. They prefer cooler water.

[Wild Turkey]

Its best to have a 18" or wider tank for a comet imo, a 30g just wont do. As hobbs suggested a (private!!!) pond would be the ideal home if you know someone who keeps pond fish

Good to see you have the fishes interest at heartthumbs2:

[JMack]

OK, I looked at some photos this morning and I know they are not comets. They are fantails. I'm still looking for a home for one or both of them, but would a 30G work for that type of GF?

[LethalResistanz]

I think they would be fine in a 29. Better off if you could find a 30.

[robflanker]

A 30g would work well for 1 of them for the short-term. Def not more than 1, and not long-term

[LP2008]

I'd transfer all the media to the new tank. Along with decor gravel and such.

Then I'd put the 5g of water from the established tank into the new one. Add the rest of the water as needed to fill it. Acclimate the fish and you should be fine.


That is of course if the 5g is cycled.


There is absolutely no reason to use 5 gallons of water from the old tank into the new. Your just putting dirty water in there. Just use your filter, substrate, deco, and 100% new dechlorinated water, acclimate and done. Ijust did this with 2 of my tank upgrades and everything is fine.