Adopting 16 year old reef

[TCoach]

Hey everyone.

It looks like I will be blessed with there opportunity to adopt a 16 year old ~92 gallon corner reef setup. Originally, I was working building out a 90 gallon standard tank when this option was offered to me, and it is 10 minutes from my house.

The tank is soft coral dominated with a couple torch corals (I think that is what they were).

Stocking is:
1 Sailfin Tang
2 PJ Cardinals
1 Coral Beauty
1 fire goby
1 Wrasse (Owner does not remember type)
1 Royal Gramma.


A couple of questions:

1. Would you be concerned over the tanks age and the seals? It is not leaking, but my mind is remembering something about tank seals needing to be replaced about every 10 years?

2. Since it is so close to home, would you keep the existing sand bed? I don't believe it is a deep sand bed.

3. I have the 90 I was planning on setting up, would you use that as a transition tank?

Any suggestions/recommendations for a successful transition to its new home? We'll probably do the move the 1st or 2nd week in April.

Thanks,

Chris

Here are some tank pics including mystery wrasse. (Sorry for poor image, iPhone mostly pulled the blue light)

 

[Zionas]

I’m not sure but it’s cool to see a 16-year old system. Any idea how old the fish are?

 

[PanchoG]

That is very nice. Keep an eye on it, you can add leak detection sensors for peace of mind.

 

[Quietman]

I wouldn't use tank that old without resealing which isn't what most hobbyists want to do (myself included) - why lose sleep over a few hundred dollar tank? Especially since you already have new one, go with that.

No don't reuse old sand. Set up new tank with new sand.

Set up new tank with same salt mix, additives and match old parameters even if they're a little screwy. You can gradually change to what you want over time. You maybe able to use old water (there's debate so research) since it's so close.

Luckily it doesn't sound like any super sensitive corals or fish. Can't take them for granted but it does make it more likely you'll be successful with reasonable precautions.

There's tons of advice on how to move. Best overall approach, plan as is you're moving across the state and not 10 min away. Think of everything that can go wrong and make sure you have backup ready.

Good luck.

 

[TCoach]

I’m not sure but it’s cool to see a 16-year old system. Any idea how old the fish are?

I think the oldest may be 6-8 years old. The current owner did not fully remember when I asked the same question. . I don't remember if he said it was the clown or the wrasse, but I think one of the 2.

 

[Zionas]

If it’s the Clown it will have many years left. The wrasse, not as many.

 

[ssunthar]

Hey everyone.

It looks like I will be blessed with there opportunity to adopt a 16 year old ~92 gallon corner reef setup. Originally, I was working building out a 90 gallon standard tank when this option was offered to me, and it is 10 minutes from my house.

The tank is soft coral dominated with a couple torch corals (I think that is what they were).

Stocking is:
1 Sailfin Tang
2 PJ Cardinals
1 Coral Beauty
1 fire goby
1 Wrasse (Owner does not remember type)
1 Royal Gramma.


A couple of questions:

1. Would you be concerned over the tanks age and the seals? It is not leaking, but my mind is remembering something about tank seals needing to be replaced about every 10 years?

2. Since it is so close to home, would you keep the existing sand bed? I don't believe it is a deep sand bed.

3. I have the 90 I was planning on setting up, would you use that as a transition tank?

Any suggestions/recommendations for a successful transition to its new home? We'll probably do the move the 1st or 2nd week in April.

Thanks,

Chris

Here are some tank pics including mystery wrasse. (Sorry for poor image, iPhone mostly pulled the blue light)

Wow a cool tank.. I am looking forward to join your journey and learn from your experience.

 

[UkiahTheTurtle]

Wow cool tank

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

First weeks in April have passed. Did you decide to take this tank on?

 

[TCoach]

First weeks in April have passed. Did you decide to take this tank on?

Yes I did.

92 Corner Move Thread

This thread is the start of my moving a 16 year old 92 corner home. Currently, it is at the current owners house which is 10 min away, and we'll be moving to my house. Long term goal is to use the 92 gallon corner since it is such a beautiful tank. However, many people have stressed concerns...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[lpsouth1978]

Didn't see any mention of the wrasse yet. That is a Melanarus Wrasse and one of my favorite fish. They are fantastic pest hunters, very active, GREAT eaters, and a good community fish.

I would be more concerned about that Sailfin!. They get HUGE and the 92 bowfront is too small a tank for one. They need a lot of swimming room too.