Since we have learned that a 10 gallon tank is not the best size for our two fantails, I asked around and found someone who has a long 20 gallon tank they are not using that we can have.

I have a lot of questions about how to make this tank safe and how soon after setting it up to transition the fish, and maybe there is already a page about this very issue you could direct me to?

In the past, I have set up tanks new from the petshop, and these two fish came in an established tank, so this will be my first time making sure a used tank is okay and getting it set up in advance so the water quality is all okay for the fish beforehand.

Thanks! We are excited about the prospect of them having more space.

Here is my section on tearing down a tank and disinfecting it. You can skip the parts about getting things out of the tank since you have it empty to start. You can also skip how to deal with the fish while tearing it down.

http://www.fishpondinfo.com/fcare2.htm#tear

Basically, you want to soak the tank is dilute bleach for at least a day and then for a day in fresh water with dechlorinator (double dose). Then, empty it again. At that point, the tank is pretty sterile, and you can set it up. Then, here is the section on how to set up a tank in a conservative manner:

http://www.fishpondinfo.com/first.htm

Thank you, Robyn. I am glad I read those pages because I would not have known about the salts and the bacteria additives. I brought the tank home and was sad to see that it looks like some of the sealer is missing from the bottom seams in a few spots.

I set it up outside and filled it and it did not leak, but because I was going out I could only leave it out there for about 2 hours before I had to empty it and bring it in.

Now I am afraid to use it, because I don't want to risk it leaking. Is resealing it an option for a total amateur, or am I better off just getting another tank--this one was free from someone who wasn't using it, so I am not out any $ at this point.

Thanks, Mallory

You can buy a tube of aquarium silicon sealant and re-seal it if you want. It shouldn't be too hard. If you are just going to worry, then spend the $20-30 for a new one.

I'm sorry one of your fantails died.

Thanks, Jayesh, I am sad, too. He was a lovely fish.