Question: Upgrading from 10gal to 20gal

[leu]

When King Louie moves in to his new digs, all of his decorations/hides, filter, and most of the water from his current home are going with him.
The new tank is partially set up. It has sand, a new hide, and about 6 gallons of water, halfof which is from his 10gal. I put the repto filter his former owner'd gotten him in the new tank to keep the water from stagnating. I also plan to add water from new tank to current tank prior to moving him to reduce/alleviate shock.

By moving day, at least 50% of the water in the new tank will be from his current tank. I'm moving as much nitrifying bacteria as possible with him. From a water quality/cycling perspective, I'm thinking this will be more like a major water change than a brand-spanking nw tank. I don't expect the water parameters to remain completely steady, but I son't anticipate the spikes & drops of an unestablished tank.

Has anyone done this? Am I completely off my rocker?

 

[Lianne]

I just want to say that he looks totally cute in your profile pic! Looks just like a happy doggy seeing his owner after being alone for a few hours, haha!

 

[auntiejude]

The filter is where most of the nitrifying bacteria live, there is a small amount on ornaments and in the water, but not enough to make a lot of difference. And running the filter in the new tank will not keep the water from going stagnant, you need to feed any bacteria to start a cycle.

In order to maintain the cycle you will nee to move the filter, or at least the filter media when you move your axie.

 

[Kaini]

If you move the filter you are indeed taking most of the nitrifying bacteria into the new tank! But you'll still have a mini-cycle since the tank is bigger than the previous. If you monitor that, you should be fine.

 

[Boomsloth]

I've switched tanks with fish and if done properly the cycle will only be minimally affected. Test the water constantly and do water changes accordingly, its a part of keeping any aquatic pet. Just be glad you're not like me in a dorm room walking down the hall to fill up half a gallon at a time for each water change.

edit: I've also been informed that for axolotls (and most amphibians) a filter is not a necessity but more of an add on. There are breeders on this site who have happy healthy animals without needing a filter.