starting a new tank

[snnbrg]

I currently have a 20g tank with a happy, healthy population of tropical community fish. We've got a 55g to which we're about to upgrade, and therein lies my questions. We're primarily wanting to just transfer the inhabitants of our current aquarium rather than starting a new one. If we move the decor, live plants, and about half of the gravel, how much will it cut down on cycling time? I am really happy with the fish we have now and have no desire to risk any of them in the move, certainly not to something as preventable as cycling issues. Is there anything else I need to know or do prior to the setup/cycling/move? Any advice?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Matt Nace]

If it were me,

This what I would probebly do. I would if I liked the gravel in the 20..buy more of the same. Would wash and start setting up the 55 gallon if possible by placing gravel , rocks, plants, wood ect where I would want it..leaving probebly the front for the 20 gallon tank gravel.

When that is done....I would begin draining the 20, vaccuming it as I go because I am taking most out so do not want it too dirty. I also would move the filter w/o washing it to the 55 gallon. Unplug it..move it over.

I would then place the fish in a bucket for now.

Would finish draining tank and get the gravel..and move it over and put it in the 55.
I would fill the 55 and dechlorinate it.
I would start the filter..or the old filter and the new one both.

I then would check the temp...and move the fish.

Some may acclimate but probebly is not needed if they are in the same water as the new tank for the most part.

You may seen some cloudyness...but you should have no problems with the current stock and the now larger tank .

 

[bmoraski]

Sounds good to me

 

[jo3olous]

I currently have a 20g tank with a happy, healthy population of tropical community fish. We've got a 55g to which we're about to upgrade, and therein lies my questions. We're primarily wanting to just transfer the inhabitants of our current aquarium rather than starting a new one. If we move the decor, live plants, and about half of the gravel, how much will it cut down on cycling time? I am really happy with the fish we have now and have no desire to risk any of them in the move, certainly not to something as preventable as cycling issues. Is there anything else I need to know or do prior to the setup/cycling/move? Any advice?

Thanks in advance for your help!

The interior decor plus the filter media, should be good. Test your water though after the move.