What is the best way to change tanks?

[Scavenger]

One thing I've had success doing is having BOTH tanks full of water. (I guess the amount of water for the new tank as the rock I add will displace it.) I'll then start to mix the two waters together. I take about 1/2 a gallon from one and add to the other and vice versa. Do this for most of the day and when it is within an hour or so of normal lights out time, start to move the livestock across. This way, they will be acclimated to your water already and have the night to get used to the tank in the dark to reduce stress. Hope this helps!

[Borderjumper]

Thanks guys.

I have some freshwater tanks that are bare bottom, and I agree easier to clean, but I dont like the look. One thing I WILL do different this time is to place the rock first, then the sand.

I wont need any additional rock, the tanks are the same length and height, one is wider tho so just more space in front. As I mentioned, Im not doing this because I want a bigger tank, I just want a better tank. The new one will be 3/8" sides and 1/2" bottom with the front starfire glass.

[draco]

We went from a 55 gal to a 90 gal.We put some of the water in the 90 gal then put the sand in, most of your live stuff should stay above the sand as it falls and let it settle out then do the rest of your change as you said