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I have 2 adults and 2 juvies currently housed in a 10 gallon tank temporarily. I will have a 25 gallon long tank (3 feet long) ready for them in about 2 months. Will they be okay in the 10 gallon temporarily?

I have an extra 20 gallon that's empty that I could use but if I move the water and filter from my 10 gallon over to the 20, I'm afraid there might be cycling problems since it's twice the water volume even though the Filter on the 10 gallon is rated for a 20-50 gallon tank (Aquaclear 50).

What are your thoughts?

As long as you provide plenty of good cover spread out across the tank they should be fine in there for a while.

"spread out across the tank" its only 10 gallons there wont be a lot of spreading to be done

You'll be able to judge if its ok better than us - our zebs are feisty little buggers - any more than 5 in a 40gal caused problems - but others keep groups of 12 etc in a similar tank size with no problems...

Keep an eye on them and you'll be able to tell

Barbie wrote:Move them. You won't have cycling problems, that's basically a 50% water change. A 20 gallon tank will give them twice the water volume to potentially live through mistakes in. A 10 gallon tank is just too risky for fish worth that much, IMO.

Barbie

I hadn't read the bit about the 20 gal

I agree with Barbie - even if you would be happier keeping the water from water changes for a bit and adding 25% new - its up to you but it shouldn't be a problem.

Not to mention that you really really need a big tank if you go with live or frozen food. A 10G is just too small to absorb the left overs that you miss when you clean up after them.

Ok... thanks for all your advice. I'll set the 20 gallon up tonight! Hmmm maybe i can just fill the 20 gallon 75% full and add the other 25% later?