switching tanks and substrates at once

[jworth]

I want to move my 29 gallon to a 55. I also want to change the substrate as well. I am switching to pool filter sand. I plan to rinse the sand and put it in the 55 and put the old water (plus some more obviously) in there as well as the same filter. Will I preserve most of the bacteria and spare my fish a ton of stress? I would like to do this later this evening so quick responses are always a plus. Thanks!

 

[iloveoscars702]

hey i am doing the same thing... can you tell me what brand of pool filter sand you used?

 

[Noto]

The bacteria in the filter will be plenty; the amount of bacteria in the water is inconsequential.

 

[JIM]

if you rinse the old sand do it in old tank water, not out of the tap with chlorinated city water, put it in your new tank,add any new substrate over the top of old, add filter and water as much old water as possible, and you should be good to go. My 2 cents worth, because ive done this that way lots of times with no problem

 

[JIM]

The bacteria in the filter will be plenty; the amount of bacteria in the water is inconsequential.

I agree somewhat, other than to avoid as much stress as possible any old water would be what the fish have been used to, chemically, a partial water change later in small steps might be less stressful to the fish.

 

[mr_cool_guy]

the pool sand will hold gas easier than pebbles, been there.