Habitat - Indoor :: Switching Tanks: What do I need to know?

[ashipyor]

Tilly is moving from her 10g tank to a 30g tank this weekend. I was wondering what I need to know in terms of chaging habitats. Do I keep some of the water from the old tank? If so, how much? Tilly's new tank will come equipped with a Rena Canister Filter XP3, new dock, live water plants from her old tank, new UVB light, basking light, water heater, and bubbler. Since Tilly is just a baby (I think she's probably around a month old) I want to make this transition as easy as possible on her.

[steve]

If everything is new, you don't need to use the previous water, though it might help cycle your tank faster (but you might need to dechlorinate the new water first). A new UVB light should have a burn in period, so make sure that is addressed before using it w/your new setup. With the XP3, make sure that the nozzle and fittings are very secure and there are no areas that might trap Tilly (such as the bars of a Turtle Dock).

[ashipyor]

Steve, I asked this under another post but I have not received a response yet. By burn-in what does that actually mean? Do I keep the light further away or do I leave it on for the burn-in time away from the turtle (perhaps in a separate room)? Thanks for all of your help. I don't think Tilly would have made it this long without this site. When I got her she was living in a tank meant for keeping an ant as a pet with a half-inch of water.

[steve]

Either method you mention should be OK, though keeping it further away from your turtle (and making sure no one looks to closely) should be fine.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Take the filter sponge from your existing filter and place it in the XP3 for the first month or so. This will seed the new filter media with bacteria and help you avoid a cycle.

[ashipyor]

Great advice-thank you!