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I just want to draw attention to what SolubleFish added to his message in the edit, because it was very important. I would definitely run the old filter in the new tank for a while; it will give you some biological filtration and provide a great source of bacteria to colonize the new filter. Sound like a nice tank upgrade for your fish!

Janna your not understanding what I am saying, I think that a 55 is fine for a couple of clowns IME. So why take the fish back to the store, casuing the fish the stress, of being takin out of your tank, and then back in to the store tanks. And then having the CHANCE that it could be put bought for a smaller tank. I work at a LFS and trust me there arnt very many people out there with 150 gallons in my area, let alone having a 55. And if someone wants to buy a few clowns with anything smaller, I discourage the purchase, but many dont care. And my boss is a "the costmer is always right type a guy" So there is really nothing I can do. Maybe that wil help you see it in my eyes, I dunno maybe its diffrent in your area.

-topher

[span class="edited"][Edited by topher02 2004-08-13 09:44][/span]

Running your old filter and gravel in your new tank will speed up the cycling process, but remember NOT to put the filter/gravel into the new tank and then add tap(undechlorinated) water into the tank.It will kill all of the beneficial bacteria and you will be starting from scratch again.
HTH
Eric

even though the sponge fiter says for up to 50g, your gonna need an almighty airpump to get 400gph. I recomed you spend some money and get a external cannister filter. when you upgrade, you can move it over and just get another as well

Who are you to say that that is the only place they would end up? How do you know some caring fish person won't buy those clown loaches for their 150 gallon? Saying a fish is in a good home just because they could be in worse is just wrong.

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They shade the glow of it with their mossy-misty costumes,
They wear masks of silk, porcelain, brass, and silver,
So as not to mislead with their own, ordinary faces.

no vic thats not what I am saying, IMO simp is fine with a few clowns in the 55, now what alot of ppl would tell him that the clowns are going to be way to big to fit in that tank, you should bring them back and get something else, what so they can get put into a 10 gallon on a childs dresser becasue it looks like nemo. The reaason I said that there in a good situation is becasue I have a few that have been in my 55 for about 11 years and they have been happy and healthy for all of those 11 years.

[span class="edited"][Edited by topher02 2004-08-11 22:34][/span]

thanks for all your help! the only thing that i have done slightly incorrectly (as jana has now told me) is by a new sponge filter. It says on the box that it supports up to 50 gallons and my new tank will be 50.5. I'll try it for a month or so but if it doesn't work very well I'll try something else. I bought a new heater that I'll be able to use on its own to support the entire tank.

Thanks for all your advice, it's really helped. I even picked the fish guy up on something that you guys told me. He was quite apologetic! I'm really looking forward to getting my new tank next week and i'll let you know how it all goes. I'm sure I'll have plenty of problems once I get it going!!!

I'm not sure what you would use that air pump for. They don't make sponge filters for tanks that large, and anyways, sponge filters aren't that good. I'd recommend you get a bio-wheel, since they are really good filters.

Using the water from your old tank won't help the cycle much. Most of the bacteria is on your gravel and filter media.

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They shade the glow of it with their mossy-misty costumes,
They wear masks of silk, porcelain, brass, and silver,
So as not to mislead with their own, ordinary faces.

So, because there are so many goldfish in fish bowls, its okay to have a few in a 20gal, cause they are lucky to be in a bigger tank ?? Not a Very good Idea to be advertising.
Atleast in this case, simpkia is very aware that even a 55 is too small for her clowns...And is willing to upgrade when necessary down the road....I agree that the 55 is fine for now, since your clowns will not grow to the necessary size for 100gal+ tank overnight...it will take some time for them to grow for a tank that size.....Again, atleast you know that going in, and thats what counts

Janna, think about the millions of clowns that are in 5-10 gallons all over the world, becasue when you buy them they are very small, so I think having a few in a 55 is a pretty good situation for them. sorry simp.

-topher

[span class="edited"][Edited by topher02 2004-08-10 11:12][/span]

Hi all. After your great advice, i finally ordered a new tank for my 4 clown loaches and 5 neons. Currently I have a 2ft x 1ft x 1ft tank and have the equipment to suit this tank of 56.5L (15 gallons). However the new tank I have ordered will be 3ft x 18in x 18in, making it 191L (50.5 gallons). I'm hoping I don't have to replace all my equipment, but could someone tell me for sure?

At the moment I have a 100W heater, an 'Eterna I' air pump that's 240V (and says it has 50 cycles which I don't know what that means) and a 6W internal filter (max L/H: 450L - does this mean anything to anyone?). The filter is one of those suction cap ones that sticks to the glass, sucking in water through the bottom, filters it through the sponge and pushes it out through the top.

I assume I'll need to get a new filter, as there is going to be quite a lot more water, but can I keep my heater and air pump?

Also, how should I transfer everything from the old tank into the new one? PLEASE don't tell me that my tank will need to cycle again!!! The tank should be here in a week so please get back to me asap so I'll be able to get started.

Thanks!

As for the heater, you can just get another 100 watt heater

Took the words outta my mouth.

When I upgraded my 10 gallon to my 20 gallon, this is what I did:

Move as much water as you can and all fish into a bucket (at least 5 gallons.) Then, remove all the gravel and put it in the new tank. Also add new gravel. After all gravel and decorations are in, start filling up with water. Get the filter and heaters going for a bit, then add the fish.

As for the heater, you can just get another 100 watt heater. Place the heaters at different parts of the tank. This insures heat won't be uneven and if one breaks down, the other will still work.

Sorry, I don't know about your air pump. I agree with Janna, the filter should run at least 300 GPH, 400GPH would be better.

EDIT: Forgot to add that you are going to have a mini-cycle, but one way to make it shorter is to add your old filter on the tank for the length of the cycle (along with the new one).

[span class="edited"][Edited by solublefish 2004-08-10 06:33][/span]

i think i am inclined to agree with topher. I'm sure your not wrong about the size the CL's grow to but they aren't going to do this overnight, are they? This is only my second tank and if need be, I can still upgrade, like I have done this time.

HOWEVER, the question i actually wanted answered is what is the best way for transfering everything in my old tank to my new tank? If I re-use the water I already have in my old tank will this stop the cycling process from happening?

Also, i went to the fish store today and the biggest heater they had was a 150W? Are you sure I need a 250W? Also, no one mentioned anything about my air pump. Will the one I currently have be sufficient (Eterna I 240V, 50 cycles)?

Yes, clown loaches need a minimum of 125 gallons. They are a big, active, chunky fish. They really need the room. They are used as food fish in their native habitat. That says a lot.

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They shade the glow of it with their mossy-misty costumes,
They wear masks of silk, porcelain, brass, and silver,
So as not to mislead with their own, ordinary faces.

its because there suppose to get 12in which means that yours could be stunted. not saying they are but could be

simp dont worry about the size for the clowns they will be fine. Green and everyone else who thinks a fifty is way to small for a few clowns, becasue I have heard this alot. I have 3 clowns in a 55 gallon that have been in there for about 11 years, their about 7-8 inches long and are the most active and heartiest fish in my tank. So what is the problem with having them in a 50 or a 55, there certinley happy, and eat like pigs..

-topher

fraid to say but thats still not big enough for clowns

Yes, you will need pretty much new everything in terms of your equipment. You will want a 250 watt heater, and a filter than does at least 300 gallons per hour. That is 1200 litres per hour, I believe.

Yes, your tank will have to cycle again, but it will be easier than it was for your last tank. You can have your old filter and perhaps some of the old gravel in the new tank, which contains the bacteria.

Good luck!

---

They shade the glow of it with their mossy-misty costumes,
They wear masks of silk, porcelain, brass, and silver,
So as not to mislead with their own, ordinary faces.