30 to 55 Gal UPSIZE

If you want to do this easily and simply here is what I would suggest.

1 break down and move the 30 out of the way
a. keep tank water in the filters
b. use a couple of buckets for plants, gravel,etc.
c. bucket your fish

2 Move the 55 into place.
3 Add in your gravel, plants, etc
4 add your fish and water
5 fill tank with new water (don't forget to declor)
6 place your gravel and decorations
7 Set up and turn on your filters
8 Grab a beer and admire your new tank.

As long as you keep the filter media submerged in tank water the bacterial process will not fall apart. Your current set of filters will be enough to hold the tank until the new one/ones get seasoned. Your gravel and decorations are also a big part of the filtration process as they are currently harboring the beneficial bacteria that you want.

I would not add any more fish to the 55 for at least a week or so until the tank stabilizes. Keep a testing kit on hand just in case.

Good luck and keep us updated!

El Expertos...

The situation;
I have a 30 gal. tank in place that is well stocked with cories, Ken Kennedy Blue angels,Clown loaches, 2 numbered pleco and tetras including cardinals and others.

Yes, it's kind of... well... populated.

The tank is perfectly stable water parameters wise.
The tank has not been medicated in 14 years.
Not a single fish has died in 2-3 years.
I don't recall what Ick is....none in over 18 years in the hobby.

I intend to replace this tank with a 55 in the same location.

The 30 has a Xp3, 2 powerhead on a undergravel and I planned to add a 350 or 450 bio wheel by marineland.(to assist in this adventure and to keep the new 55 bright and beautiful)

I need your ideas on how to set up the 55 and bring it into balance than I assume, move the whole set up to where the 30 now sits.

I have lot's of time to get the 55 up and settled in location #2 before moving in to the site of the 30 which is being excommuniated.

"Grasshopper..the lady of the house will allow only one glass fish habitat
and you also need to yet sell this proposition to the management."

The 30 has lots of plastic plants..driftwood...gravel..and filter strata to offer bio starter material.

So , I'm thinking set up new 55 in basement..balance..use goldfish or whatever to cycle...tear down 55; tear down 30 move 55 to 30 site and??
(also mix waters from both tanks in final 55 set up..No??)

Please give me your best thoughts I've got super fish with no problems and want to keep the KARMA going.