Moving from 20 Gallon Tank to 55 Gallon Tank

ReefMan1981 · 02-23-2006, 09:45 AM

I am moving my fish (clown, firefish, 6line wrasse,peppermint shrimp, porcelain crab, and fan worm) from a 20 Gallon tank to a 55 Gallon Tank.
I have a 2" live sand bed and about 25 Gallons of water in the 55 Gal. tank and also have a canister filter and T5 light set up. I am planning on using the live sand and water from my existing 20 Gal. tank in my new 55 Gal. tank.
This will give me about a 4" live sand bed and account for the rest of the water needed to top off the tank. I also have live rock and base rock that I will be adding from the existing tank (about 21 Pounds) plus about 20 more pounds of new live and base rock for a total of 41 pounds. Any information on how to go about moving the fish without causing them too much stress would be greatly appreciated.

CSeaSee · 02-23-2006, 11:43 AM

First off, WELCOME TO REEFLAND!

I have a question: do you have a protein skimmer? If the answer is no, you should seriously consider getting one. As far as moving the fish, as long as your 55 is cycled and the SG and temp match up between the two tanks, you should be just fine. Also, acclimating them to a net before trying to ctch them may make that aspect easier and less stressful on both of you.

ReefMan1981 · 02-23-2006, 12:24 PM

I am getting a protein skimmer in a couple of weeks.
My new 55 Gal. tank is not yet cycled, but I was hoping that the water, sand, and rock from my existing 20 Gal. tank would help out.

BubbaWPB · 02-23-2006, 03:19 PM

I would definitely cycle the additional rock completely first before adding your tank contents. If the additional live rock is not fully cured, the nitrogen spike could kill your critters. A good general rule is never add live rock to a living system unless you are 100% sure it is fully cured.

ReefMan1981 · 02-23-2006, 05:05 PM

I am 100% sure that the rock I am purchasing from the local fish store is fully cured. My main concern is the stress of my fish when moving them into the new tank. Also, where should I put my fish while I am adding the sand from the tank they're in (I don't have a quarantine tank); and how long can I leave them outside of a stable tank environment?
I am grateful for any suggestions as I am relatively new at this.

CSeaSee · 02-24-2006, 12:13 PM

Several times, I've kept all eight of my fish in a single 5-gallon bucket for about eight hours with no ill effects. I'd say you'll be fine, just make sure the temperature stays between 68-86.

ReefMan1981 · 02-24-2006, 12:42 PM

Thanks for the feedback everybody.

grendel · 03-01-2006, 01:28 PM

I would still have the 55 up and operational with the new rock and water tested for 2 weeks...

I'd hate to lose any of my pets.

It won't hurt you.

02-23-2006, 09:45 AM	#1
ReefMan1981 Just Moved In Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Temple, Texas Posts: 33	Moving from 20 Gallon Tank to 55 Gallon Tank I am moving my fish (clown, firefish, 6line wrasse,peppermint shrimp, porcelain crab, and fan worm) from a 20 Gallon tank to a 55 Gallon Tank. I have a 2" live sand bed and about 25 Gallons of water in the 55 Gal. tank and also have a canister filter and T5 light set up. I am planning on using the live sand and water from my existing 20 Gal. tank in my new 55 Gal. tank. This will give me about a 4" live sand bed and account for the rest of the water needed to top off the tank. I also have live rock and base rock that I will be adding from the existing tank (about 21 Pounds) plus about 20 more pounds of new live and base rock for a total of 41 pounds. Any information on how to go about moving the fish without causing them too much stress would be greatly appreciated.

02-23-2006, 11:43 AM	#2
CSeaSee Mayor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chicago Suburbs Posts: 663	First off, WELCOME TO REEFLAND! I have a question: do you have a protein skimmer? If the answer is no, you should seriously consider getting one. As far as moving the fish, as long as your 55 is cycled and the SG and temp match up between the two tanks, you should be just fine. Also, acclimating them to a net before trying to ctch them may make that aspect easier and less stressful on both of you. __________________ Carl Just tell your wife that having a tank teaches you all sorts of new DIY skills...which will save lots of money around the house...so you can buy more stuff for your tank...so you can learn more skills...

02-23-2006, 03:19 PM	#4
BubbaWPB Governor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 1,234	I would definitely cycle the additional rock completely first before adding your tank contents. If the additional live rock is not fully cured, the nitrogen spike could kill your critters. A good general rule is never add live rock to a living system unless you are 100% sure it is fully cured. __________________ Bubba Hmmm... now that the tank is full, I could convert the pool to saltwater... Bubba's Aquarium Log

02-24-2006, 12:13 PM	#6
CSeaSee Mayor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chicago Suburbs Posts: 663	Several times, I've kept all eight of my fish in a single 5-gallon bucket for about eight hours with no ill effects. I'd say you'll be fine, just make sure the temperature stays between 68-86. __________________ Carl Just tell your wife that having a tank teaches you all sorts of new DIY skills...which will save lots of money around the house...so you can buy more stuff for your tank...so you can learn more skills...

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02-23-2006, 12:24 PM	#3
ReefMan1981 Just Moved In Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Temple, Texas Posts: 33	I am getting a protein skimmer in a couple of weeks. My new 55 Gal. tank is not yet cycled, but I was hoping that the water, sand, and rock from my existing 20 Gal. tank would help out.

02-23-2006, 05:05 PM	#5
ReefMan1981 Just Moved In Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Temple, Texas Posts: 33	I am 100% sure that the rock I am purchasing from the local fish store is fully cured. My main concern is the stress of my fish when moving them into the new tank. Also, where should I put my fish while I am adding the sand from the tank they're in (I don't have a quarantine tank); and how long can I leave them outside of a stable tank environment? I am grateful for any suggestions as I am relatively new at this.

02-24-2006, 12:42 PM	#7
ReefMan1981 Just Moved In Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Temple, Texas Posts: 33	Thanks for the feedback everybody.

03-01-2006, 01:28 PM	#8
grendel Just Moved In Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 27	I would still have the 55 up and operational with the new rock and water tested for 2 weeks... I'd hate to lose any of my pets. It won't hurt you.

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