transferring fish to larger tank

Question
I want to transfer my fish from my 29 gallon tank to my 40 gallon tank. I currently have a 6" pleco, which I want to keep, and a 5 inch African cichlid, which I will be getting rid of. Do I need to do a total water change in my 40 gallon tank? whats the best way to do the transfer and the best way to get the 40 gallon ready for my fish. I will be adding 2 angels, 2 silver dollars, 2 tiger barbs and 2 neon tetras. Thanks for your help and recommendations.

Answer
Hi Jean,
Is there a way you could hold off moving your fish for several weeks? I say this because I've thought of a good idea to help lessen the chance of ammonia problems when moving your fish into the brand new 40 gallon due to it being unestablished. (Special bacteria thrive in established tanks that keep ammonia under control but aren't present in new setups.)

The little trick many aquarists know of is to use a sponge filter. Run a sponge filter in your main aquarium for about 4 weeks at least. Due to the sponge's porous nature and the oxygenated water flowing through it (it is air driver with bubbles) bacteria thrive in enormous numbers on the sponge. So much that when a 'seasoned' sponge filter is taken from an established tank and into a brand new setup along with several fish, ammonia problems can be non-existent and in other-words this is the genuine "instant cycled" tank. People use this method when suddenly having to setup fry tanks and hospital tanks for their fishes. I've done it many times and can say that it truly does eliminate cycling troubles.

I would try to get a large sponge filter for your 29-gallon and let it run for several weeks (don't bother to clean it for now.) Then, move the sponge filter and add all your fish into the 40 gallon at once. As always, you always want to keep a cautious eye on them. But I doubt you'd have any problems.

If you just went the traditional way and just let the water sit for a while and then suddenly added your fish, ammonia levels will spike and you are at risk of losing your fish or having them become very ill.

You don't have to keep the sponge filter long-term ( they aren't always the prettiest things!) but after you've allowed time for the main aquarium's filter and environment to be seeded with bacteria from the sponge filter, (I would wait a few months) then you can remove it. It's fine to just leave it also. Great to have around when there might come a time when you want to set up another tank. ;-)

As far as moving the fish themselves, For easing stress both on the fish and you I like to use an oversized fine mesh net. By oversized I mean the ones you find in the fishing department or pond sections. not the long handled ones (too awkward) but I was able to find a shorter handled one. This enables you to not have to chase your fish around and around and often they can be caught with one careful swipe. If you want you can then transfer them into a plastic container so their slime and scales wont be damaged or into smaller soft net like a large brine shrimp net (its made of cloth instead of harsh netting).

Best wishes and I hope this helps!
Karen~