Making the switch from a 15 to 30g tank...

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kingkoopa
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Making the switch from a 15 to 30g tank...

Post by kingkoopa »

I currently have my GSP (1.5") in a 15g brackish (1.005) tank. Upon the excellent advice of TPF, I am happy to say that I'm getting things together and will switch him to a 30g tank soon (Aqueon). I have a few questions regarding the switch:

1) I plan on changing my filter to an Aquaclear 30. Can I just put my old filter media into the new filter to help cycle the tank quicker, or would it be better to run both filters in the tank at the same time?
2) If #1 isn't enough, then I don't mind getting Dr. Tim's One and Only. If it's a brackish tank, should I get the Na H20 Pure for Saltwater aquariums, or the Reef Pure? Considering it's not full SW, is there a possibility that this step will be a waste and the bacteria won't survive?
3) And judging from another post, it doesn't seem to be helpful to seek out "live" sand. Does the dead bacteria hurt in any way though? Any recommendations for substrate that you like?

I probably forgot some other questions and will probably add them along when I remember or encounter them, thanks for helping with these ones. Any other tips for making the switch from one tank to another would be really helpful too, as I want to make the move as easy as possible for him. Thanks. :)

Also, another random but unrelated FEEDING question: When feeding mussels to Koopa, I usually freeze the mussel (including one side of shell), thaw it out in lukewarm water, then drop it into the tank. I keep it in there for about 2-3 min, basically the time it takes for him to get 4 large bites with a fairly round tummy, then scoop it out and refreeze it for another day. Is this okay? I like having the mussel shell in there for opportune teeth grinding, but I don't know if this is too much or too little or if it's detrimental to water quality to dunk the whole thing in.
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kingkoopa
Puffer Fry
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Joined: Sat Jan 15, 2011 9:50 pm
Gender: Female
My Puffers: King Koopa, green spotted puffer
Porkchop and Sputnik, crowntail bettas
Location (country): USA

Re: Making the switch from a 15 to 30g tank...

Post by kingkoopa »

I am definitely asking for this for my birthday, which is quickly turning more into Koopa's birthday. It looks perfect!

https://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/ ... catid=3895
jtbadco

Re: Making the switch from a 15 to 30g tank...

Post by jtbadco »

I suggest you treat the switch like a water change...

remove the puffer to a small pail.....transfer the entire contents of the tank, the old filter and water...and add the new filter as well....then top up the new tank with 'fresh' BW at the appropriate temp and sg.

the old filter should be able to handle the bioload and it should help seed the new filter....you may want to squeeze out your sponge from the old filter into the tank water to assist

** remember to transfer the puffer using a small plastic container (no nets)...the puffer should never be exposed to the air if possible
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Re: Making the switch from a 15 to 30g tank...

Post by Pufferpunk »

1) I plan on changing my filter to an Aquaclear 30. Can I just put my old filter media into the new filter to help cycle the tank quicker, or would it be better to run both filters in the tank at the same time?
Either way will work. Your tank shouldn't go through any cycle at all. Keep an eye on the parameters daily for a week, to be sure.
2) If #1 isn't enough, then I don't mind getting Dr. Tim's One and Only. If it's a brackish tank, should I get the Na H20 Pure for Saltwater aquariums, or the Reef Pure? Considering it's not full SW, is there a possibility that this step will be a waste and the bacteria won't survive?
Don't bother, it's difficult to find a prepared bacteria that will work in BW
3) And judging from another post, it doesn't seem to be helpful to seek out "live" sand. Does the dead bacteria hurt in any way though? Any recommendations for substrate that you like?
Best bet is aragonite sand, tio keep the pH steady, around 8. No such thing as live sand in a bag.

Have you read the GSP article in our Library?
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
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