Transferring Puffer to Bigger Tank

[Cel]

Hi there,
My GSP Matcha, is three years old and outgrowing her 35 gallon tank. I'm setting up a 55 gallon tank to be her forever home but I'm very nervous about transferring her. Anyone have helpful tips so that she doesn't puff? My heart would break.

I know to make sure the new tank is cycled, same temp and salinity level as her current tank and to not use a net, but to scoop her with a cup and put her in a covered bucket or something.

Do I just pour her into the new tank? I also plan to transfer water changes from her current tank into the new one...

Thanks for the help and support puffer friends!

[Pufferpunk]

You can pour her into the new tank from the cup. Will she fit into a measuring cup or pitcher?

[Cel]

She should fit into a pitcher. Do you think it's fine to just scoop her and then immediately place her in the new tank? The temp and salinity should be very similar.

[Pufferpunk]

How much material are you moving over from her tank?

[Cel]

I put the filter media from her old tank into the new one, placed the sponge filter from her old tank to the new one, moved a small amount of sand, and transferred about 10 gallons of water, but that's all so far.

I plan to let it cycle for a few weeks and do some water tests before transferring.

I'm also hoping her growth hasn't stunted. She's the only one in a 35 gallon tank and is actually 4 years old not 3. Can't hurt to put her in a 55 gallon though...

[Pufferpunk]

55g is a perfect size! Why not move ALL your sand, media & decor for him? Then, you can move him right away.

[Cel]

I guess the sand has seen better days and I was looking forward to some fresh sand. I also have a new filter/pump for the larger tank. I also had a slime algae issue and recently cleaned the plants so I'm not sure how much beneficial bacteria is left on them... I'll slowly move more things from the current tank.

Thank you for all of the tips and help!