audiophile43
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- Feb 25, 2016
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I'm brand new to the hobby, and will be transferring & setting up a new system this weekend. Pics are of the new unit, before & after cleanup. I've been reading various threads for about two weeks now, trying to come up with a decent plan for my weekend... Here's what I've got going on:
Neighbors a few doors down recently became empty nesters, and are donating their 55g SW setup. They no longer have interest or time for the hobby, now that their boys are both in college. The setup includes all the livestock, LR, LS, a little coral, all equipment & the stand... Therefore, I'm happy to accept! However, from what I've been reading on various threads, the tank is not ideally set up. It currently has a HOB Reef Octopus skimmer and an inside the stand canister filter (no sump). Tank is in "fair" condition, a little cloudy, the LR needs to be cleaned up/siphoned prior to my proposed transfer. Livestock, however, appears to be healthy - consists of a pair of clowns, a fire shrimp, and a couple other small (~ 3 inch) fish. They've had their fish for several years. However, I wanted a bigger, sexier tank because I have the space, and it seems that the more water volume, the more stable most SW setups seem to be. I plan on transferring everything into the new tank I bought this week and growing/adding over time.
I've purchased a nice, used (3 year old) 90g 48x18x24 glass tank, all wood stand & canopy. It's already in the house, it's been cleaned, I just have to plumb & test. The purchase included the following equipment:
~20g acrylic sump (maybe 25g, not sure)
In-sump protein skimmer (Coralife 150)
950 gph mag return pump (Supreme)
T5 whites + actinic (I think 2 of each, Coralife brand?)
ATO w/timer (w/14 gallon Rubbermaid trash can)
150 watt heater (EJ)
One powerhead (Koralia, I forget flow rate, but think it's a 600). Return has a 2-way split diverter, so flow should be sufficient. If not, I'll add one more
UV sterilizer
Power strip w/timers
Various other minor odds & ends
I plan on making this a mixed reef tank: existing livestock/LR for awhile to ensure stability, then adding more LR, then coral, anemone, & fish. Slow and steady, of course. I'd like to place a refugium in the sump for added filtration, as the previous owner had it set up as a FOWLR w/bio balls (which I'll not use).
Here's my plan, please advise if anything seems amiss, as this is not only my first transfer, but my first foray into the hobby as well!
A). Set up new 90g by filling with 60g of boxed Pacific saltwater I've purchased
B). Transfer the existing (wet) LR into new tank, arrange aquascape as best I can until additional, new LR may be safely added
C). Scoop two to three cups of existing LS into new tank
D). I'll add in ~40 lbs of new bagged LS I bought, placing on top of what I scooped from the old
F). Keep livestock in existing 55g while I pump as much of their existing water as possible into new tank (keeping enough water, heat, aeration & flow to sustain fish)
G). Wait for things to settle/water to stabilize in new tank and be relatively clear
F). Compare salinity & temp between tanks (what other parameters do I need to check?)
H). If all is well, transfer livestock
I). Monitor daily
1. Does this all look correct?
2. Is anything out of sequence, incorrect, or missing?
3. Is using a refugium chamber the correct approach here? The goal is to keep the water in the DT as stable, clear, and life-friendly as possible.
4. If 3 is a "yes," should I add some of the existing LR, LS & mud to the refugium floor around step C?
5. If 3 is a "no," what should the other chamber house for this type of setup? Additional mechanical filtration? Chemical?
6. Suggestions for correct water temp on this setup?
7. Can I/should I use an air stone?
KIND REGARDS,
and THANK YOU for input, corrections, and advice! Pics are the before and after cleanup.
