[goodbytes]

So I did something I shouldn't have. The top rim of my aquarium was loose enough to just slip it off so I removed it. It has been fine for weeks now but this evening I heard the sound of trickling water and noticed the front glass had come free by about 1/4 of an inch. It could go at any second so I held it together and tried to get my roommates attention. He was passed out on the couch with headphones in so I had to toss the lid of the Aqua Clear at him to get his attention. Anyway, he held it together and I slipped the rim back on. We fastened a tie-down strap around it and slathered an ample amount of silicone over the seam so it has stopped leaking. For how long is anyone's guess. Anyway, I'm going to try to get another 55 long tomorrow and I need to move everything from one aquarium to the other.
The list includes:
Two Crypts, Two Java Ferns, A lot of Hornwort, Two Swords, Temple, and an Anubias
Seven Glo Tetras, One YoYo Loach, Two Rainbow Sharks, One Betta, 4 Otto Cats, and One Large Snail
The aquarium has been running for a little over a month and is 80% planted. So what I need to know is the best way to do this without killing the fish and plants. I am going to have to use the same substrate and aquarium stand which will entail completely emptying the damaged aquarium, placing the new one on the stand, transferring the substrate, then filling it with water. Do I have enough plants to avoid worrying about a major cycle? Because its only been going for a month will I have to worry about transferring the substrate kicking up a lot of ammonia and waste? What are the steps I need to take when doing this?

 

[robsworld78]

Nice job saving everything, must have be a scary moment.

I'm a novice but if you have a canister filter matured you should be ok, just try and have it turned off as little as possible so you don't loss the bacteria. When you fill up the new tank use extra prime. Also it might be a good idea to get a bottle of Tetra Safe Start as extra security. When I was cycling my tank it was taking long and nitrites were out of control, added a bottle of safe start and it solved the problem permanently so the stuff definitely works. Good luck!

 

[goodbytes]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to be recycling half of the water in the aquarium so hopefully I won't need any prime. I'll definitely get some Tetra Safe and see if that does the trick. I just don't know what this is going to do to the water parameters. Man, where's Raymond S. when you need him ;P

 

[GraphicGr8s]

Put the fish in a bucket. Put the plants in a bucket. Save as much water as you can. Transfer substrate. Plant plants. Add water. Add fish. Top off tank.

Even if you only save 50% of the water it's like a 50% water change. Don't sweat the small stuff.