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Hi! It's time to upgrade from my 20 gal and 10 gal tanks to one tank between 55-70 gal. I plan to use the 20 gal to help begin cycling the new tank. My current tanks are both planted (easy care plants), and are home to two Clown Loaches, and a large group of Columbian Tetras who I think have been running a fertility clinic out of their aquarium(one reason why I am upgrading). Any suggestions for the best way to cycle the new tank by using something from one of my existing tanks? Also, I am looking at several different tank types: square, bow front, long/thin profile. Any suggestions about tank type? Thanks everyone!

Personally my favorite is bow tanks and hex tanks, but you may want to try a square or a long, the more room on the bottom the better it will be for your loaches. Your clown loaches will be very happy with the upgrade either way. (Are you planning on adding any more loaches? They school) Have fun

Inky

Well, people are going to tell you to go with the biggest possible tank you can afford/have space for. A 75 gallon tank would be ideal. It's long, wide, has great surface area, and is a standard size so finding one and a stand for one shouldn't be too hard. It will be plenty big enough for when those clown loaches get big.

When you set the new tank up, just use the gravel from one or more of your current tanks, and the media from one or more of your filters, and you should be well on your way to cycling the aquarium. Putting all of your plants in early will also help keep nitrates down and give them a chance to settle in before you add fish. I'd think that after a week you can start adding the tetras a handful at a time (but test your levels to be sure!). Add 6 or so, wait a few days, add 6 more, etc. until they're all moved, then add the loaches and finish tearing down your old tanks, and then you get to go to the LFS and find new tankmates for them!

Best of Luck!

Hoping that there must be a word for everything I mean...

I think a 75 would be best because of the length and it would be better for your clowns.

IMO a longer tank is better than a taller or hex tank because it gives more surface area.

You can use some gravel from your 20 and 10g tanks and put it in stockings (panty hose...whatever you call it) and place them around the filter intake of the new tank. This will help establish some bacteria. Also, using some Biospira will help alot.

If you plan on planting the tank, I would do it before you put the fish in it. Plants will help the cycle alone and take in some of the ammonia so the level doesn't get high enough to hurt your fish.

After putting your fish in there, slowly stock any more fish so that you don't overload the bacteria.

Good luck....and congrats on getting a bigger tank!/:'

*Kristin*