Over the weekend we will be moving everything from the 10gal tank to a new 40 gal tank.

Here is the process I am thinking of

Do a partial drain of the old tank into a large bucket (5 gallons) and transfer the fish (5 zebra danio/glofish - small), heater, some plants into it and cover with a cloth to keep it darker.

Finish draining the old tank but keeping the gravel and filter media submerged/wet and move it all out of the way.

Move the new tank (already been washed out and dried) into it's place/level, add the new gravel (after it has been washed, etc) fill 1/4 of the way with dechlorinated water (Seachem) that is already to temperature.

Add the new gravel as the top level, add the various decorations/plastic plants, etc while slowly filling the new tank. Insert the main heater which is adjustable and insert the preset non adjustable smaller heater for a backup.

When filled - turn on filter with the old media inserted behind the new media.

Add the stress/coat additive.

Let run for a couple hours, perform the full water test (API Master) and then drip acclimate the fish in the bucket to the new tank.

1 - 2 hours later add new fish to tank with lights off.

Is my process sound?

Once I move my old tank out of the way and it only being 10 gallons, should I remove the gravel and refill it with the water I removed and place the fish in there instead of a bucket?

Should I rinse the old gravel at all prior to placing it in the new tank?

Should I add Tetra Safe Start to the new tank as well?

Should I use any of the old tank water in the new tank?

I want to do whatever is the least amount of stress to the fish as possible and assure they make the transition successfully.

Your process sounds good enough. Since your new tank will not be cycled yet, I would take some of the old gravel and put it in a stocking and just leave it sitting in your new tank for a few days. (Most of the good bacteria is in your substrate, it's more important than the filter media) Doing that will basically let the bacteria from th old substrate take root in your new substrate. I wouldn't rinse it.
Adding the old tank water really won't do much in terms of the bacteria, But I guess adding some old tank water wouldn't hurt. If you have your old filter media and all of your old substrate in the tank, you don't really need to put any safe start. Maybe a little bit of stress coat, but I say the least amount of chemicals you have to put in th tank, the better

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Frontosa Fanatic

You will end up with at last a mini cycle so keep a check on the levels.The plan sounds great.

Dont rinse the old gravel,itll be fine in there.Also when removing it,the mulm on the bottom of the tank will be useful so try to siphon it for the new one.Dont need any old water,so go ahead and throw it out afterwards.

What is tetra safe start?If its a bacteria booster ,the I wouldnt add it,but I dont use them anyhow.Just dechlor the tank before adding the fish.

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