Topic: Okay so the time is near...

[bungalowbettaback]

I have a 46 gal bowfront with 8 Mbuna Cichlids, the tank needs to be broken down and resealed...
I really don't want to take the time to do this, however I know it needs to be done.
I ordered new rocks for the tank and when they are here I will be doing the breaking down....
I need some advice,
My thoughts are putting the fish in a container that will support the filter on it, but how big or small should it be...if it's not big the filter may disturb them...also if its small I won't be able to save much of the water....
If the container is big, it will be hard to move....
Should I just put them in something small without a filter?  How much water should I save, if i don't need alot of water, how do I save the filter media?
Anyone who has had to reseal or break down the tank and reset it up, PLEASE let me know of any tips you have. 
Thanks in advance
kate

[RinsMom]

When I had to break down my 50 to reseal it, I had an established 29 that I could put the occupants in for a bit...  Yes, they were crowded, but it was only for a few days while the sealant cured.  I also didn't have very many fish in either tank, and could crowd them for a bit.

I just put the filter pads in the aquarium, in the back...  I figured that would at least help keep the bacteria alive until the new tank was set-up.  I wasn't dealing with potentially aggressive fish like cichlids, however.

I would get a rubbermaid type of tub for the fish and put it where you want it to be... don't try to move it full.  I'm not sure about how to deal with filtration, though... you could put the filter media in the tub to help keep the bacteria alive, but I'm not sure what you'd do about aeration...  bubblestones don't really do that much good, apparently.

The tank water doesn't do that much in the new tank, other than helping them adjust quickly...  it would be the filter media I would be concerned with saving.

[bungalowbettaback]

Well apparently my stones,  are a farfetched dream.  Aquariumfish.net is out until "the middle of Jan" and they don't have a backorder policy.  The best the can do is refund the money.  The guy doesn't even seem to know where my order is....He is going to call me back.  I am so f"*&#ing annoyed.  Of course I tell my husband and all he's concerned about is where the money is and not that I'm not getting my christmas gift.  I don't mind waiting till feb, march, whatever, but if the money goes back into the account it will get spent on bills.

[RinsMom]

Can you get the money and put it in a special "fish savings" account?  Hopefully you won't touch it until the stones are available......

[bungalowbettaback]

well apparently, They are going to put the money back on our card by tommorrow and we are going to reorder the stones then from another co.

[Cholly]

If you can rig the filter to run on the rubbermaid tub, you'll solve two problems, keeping the filter media alive and filtering/agitating the fish water. If your heater has the suction cup attachment/hold-aways, I'd put it in the tub as well.

[wendyjo]

I'd also check Craigslist or Freecycle for a freebie tank to hold you over.  I think it's good to have a backup, especially if you are literally taking apart the old one and putting it back together.

[RinsMom]

I just noticed that they are available (and on sale?) at Drs. Foster and Smith....

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21383

[Cholly]

On sale and on back order.

[RinsMom]

Yeah, but the expected date was 12/30/09... I'm hoping that they will be getting them in in a few days, sooner than the other place, anyway?