Tank and gravel question

[Rwils24]

Hi all

I will be moving soon and that includes my 125 gallon tank.

A bit of back note, I bought this tank used 3 years ago. All fish have been living in it for at least the last year if not longer. I use to AC120 (I think, the largest HOB aquaclear has). No issues with any filtration or parameters.

I have two questions:

1) if I want to change out the gravel to black instead of blue that I currently have - will that cause a huge issue in cycling, etc with the move? I can save the filter media, but the water I can only save about 10 gallons.

2) I bought the tank used, I am not sure how long the prior owner had it. I do not feel comfortable resealing something of this size (particularly because I live in a condo). Should I buy a new tank so I am safe for the next bit? I have attached a few photos (sorry for their quality, my phone was trying to focus on the fish and not the tank).

Thanks!

 

[tlindsey]

if I want to change out the gravel to black instead of blue that I currently have - will that cause a huge issue in cycling, etc with the move?

If the aquarium fully cycled no but possibly a mini cycle because beneficial bacteria grows on gravel also.

can save the filter media, but the water I can only save about 10 gallons.

Just place the filter media in the bucket with the fish. Don’t worry about transporting water. Water does not really have very little beneficial bacteria in it. The beneficial bacteria are sessile. Make sure you add dechlorinator to the new water.

 

[tlindsey]

if I want to change out the gravel to black instead of blue that I currently have - will that cause a huge issue in cycling, etc with the move?

If the aquarium fully cycled no but possibly a mini cycle because beneficial bacteria grows on gravel also.

can save the filter media, but the water I can only save about 10 gallons.

Just place the filter media in the bucket with the fish. Don’t worry about transporting water. Water does not really have any beneficial bacteria in it. The beneficial bacteria are sessile. Make sure you add dechlorinator to the new water.

 

[tlindsey]

If you feel uneasy about the used aquarium then yes buy a new one.

 

[esoxlucius]

If you're moving to a new place and you don't trust your current tank, and you can afford it, then get a shiny new tank by all means. There's nothing worse than having that niggling doubt constantly at the back of your mind.

As for the gravel changeover and filter media? Yes your old blue gravel will have a fair amount of BB on it. Even if you use your current AC120 mature media I suspect that you will still have a "blip" in cycle, especially if you have a few fish too (I'm not sure what your full stock is, other than what's in the pics). And, as mentioned, forget about saving old water in the hope that it will aid your changeover cycle wise, because it won't!

If I was you I'd be tempted to set the new tank up, using your AC120 filter with it's mature media, and add your fish. But DO NOT feed for a while, and check your parameters regularly for the first couple of days. If you get the expected slight spike in ammonia you can do partial water changes and prime will also aid you until your BB catch up.

By the way, congrats on losing the hideous blue gravel!!