Aquarium downsize

Soot2006

With a new canine in the house, space has become Premium. When my big fish tank developed a slow leak, I realised it was time for a downsize.

The main fish have all been rehomed, leaving just a few smaller types and my plants. Today I sourced a second hand Fluval tank on Gumtree. Went to see and it's good as new. Receipt from 3 months ago. The seller got an unexpected job offer up north and selling all larger items, so I'll pick the tank up tomorrow when it's been broken down for collection. Have offered to take the fish and rehome them via my fishy connections as I know how stressful it is to try to get of everything separately (and I want the tank).

So 2018 starts with an almost new 95L Fluval tank (down from 350L) with all equipment, etc ... Under £100!

My main question is: Should I advertise the old tank as free to a good home for someone to strip out and reseal, or would a leaky tank be best off at the tip?

(I stripped and resealed it when I bought it, also second hand, five years ago but obviously did not do a great job).

My next question: will I miss my big tank? I have had nano tanks in the past, but only for plants and maybe a betta so any pitfalls to be aware of with a smaller tank?

Froglet

I would offer it for free,stating that it needs resealing.Then if it doesn't go,take it to the tip.Freecycle is a good place to advertise.
With a smaller tank,even though you have less,smaller fish,you will need to test regularly,especially at first and maybe do more water changes.I'm sure you know to use the mature media from your old filter,unless you are using the same one.

Soot2006

Thanks, Froglet; good plan. Will advertise it for a week while I set up the new one, then will have to go for space reasons alone.
I did think the smaller water volume would mean less stability. I am going to use my current filter until the tank is fully cycled. All the plants, wood, etc will be moved over. It's been a while since I started a new tank. Going to get it in a moment.

Froglet

I only have 2 fish left after 27 years of keeping tropical.Both catfish,the smaller one is 28,the larger one 24.I can't bear to rehomed them or downsize my 4 ft aquarium.I also have nearly 100 fish in a big pond in the garden.If you want to join others who like me are dedicated to their hobby,Facebook have a Practical Fishkeeping forum.

Fosterdog

With your old tank, it may not be up to much as an aquarium anymore but somebody cold make use of it as a vivarium

Soot2006

Thanks for the tip!

I'm all set up now. They always look so pretty when you set them up. Before everything overgrows lol. It was hard deciding what should go in. None of my big anubias fit but the minis suddenly look a lot bigger! I had to leave out 3 pieces of bogwood but they just made it look overcrowded. Now have buckets of plants and ornaments to deal with! But I am happy, for now .

mac.d

Any of you guys got any suggestions on how to rehome a tank full of guppies (too many to count) and a lone loach? We've had them for many, many years because we don't know how to get rid of them. The guppies have just maintained their population over the years (its a long time since we had a breeding tank) and we just occasionally buy a new pair of loaches.

peachyprice

mac.d wrote: »

Anyof you guys got any suggestions on how to rehome a tank full of guppies (too many to count) and a lone loach? We've had them for many, many years because we don't know how to get rid of them.

Have you asked your local fish shop? Mine take fish in.

mac.d

No I've not, the nearest place is a Pets at Home, and I doubt they would take them. I think there is an aquarium shop in town I could possibly try. However, I wouldn't be sure how to transport the fish, as there really is too many of them!

Froglet

If you are on Facebook,you could join the Practical Fishkeeping page,they have lots of members and you may find someone in your area to rehomed them.

aylesby

Give some thoughts to restricting the potential algae growth in your nano tank. A sand base and fake plants may help. Avoid direct sunlight if possible as algae can become rampant in summer. Look at algae eating fish to see if there are any you like.
The change in ratio of surface area to volume when moving from a big tank may catch you out.