Concerns about upgrading...

[Dan Kyle]

Hi all,

As title suggests, I’m thinking of upgrading my RSR 170 to the RSR 425 but I’m a little concerned about my current livestock, specifically my anemones. I have 2 RBTA’s and I have a beautiful tri colour BTA. We all know that anemones shouldn’t go into an aquarium before at least 6 months so I’m concerned that I will lose my anemones when moving everything over. I would hate to give them up because they are my favourite animals in my reef. In fact getting rid of them isn’t even an option. I’m thinking of setting up my new tank and running my old one while I leave the new one set up for at least six months so I can assure my anemones stay healthy. Is this really necessary though? I mean my plans do seem OTT and I see many upgrading their tanks and moving everything over within 6-8 weeks.

I’d like to know your opinion on this so I can plan things better or just keep to my original plan.

Thanks

 

[Journeyman]

If you recycle your water into your new tank it should shorten your cycle time. If you also use your old rock along with your old water, it should be similar to a water change.

 

[W1ngz]

I just upgraded my tank about a month ago and now that I'm sure things weren't destabilized I'm considering my livestock additions.

Overall your bioload from livestock is matched to the bacteria colonies in the rock and sand. If you're reusing the rock (keep it in buckets of tank water), sand and water, then it's not a new ecosystem, it's just a new glass box around it. When adding new water, just make sure it's temp and salinity matched, (and maybe dosed to match Ca, Alk and Mag) then you likely won't have a cycle at all. If you're not adding piles of new coral in the first while, you probably won't even have to change your dosing regimen.

Just don't go wild in the first couple of months adding new fish. Perfect time to get a newcomer or two into quarantine.

 

[Dan Kyle]

I would be using my old rock because I believe it would be established now as it’s a year old. I’d also transfer the water from my RSR170. I am just a worrier with these kind of things but thanks all for the replies so far. I guess I won’t be doing the six month wait after all.

 

[W1ngz]

If you really want some added reassurance, I have a Seneye reef that I use mostly for testing light. I bought the slides so I could closely monitor ammonia during the weeks right after I moved things over. I was able to detect my ammonia change from .001 ppm to .007 for the first few days, then .005 and now a month later back to .001. If your ammonia level doesn't do anything, then nothing else is going to change either.

 

[Dan Kyle]

If you really want some added reassurance, I have a Seneye reef that I use mostly for testing light. I bought the slides so I could closely monitor ammonia during the weeks right after I moved things over. I was able to detect my ammonia change from .001 ppm to .007 for the first few days, then .005 and now a month later back to .001. If your ammonia level doesn't do anything, then nothing else is going to change either.

So a little ammonia spike would be alright? Ideally I wouldn’t want any stock in my aquarium if I suspect a spike will happen.

 

[W1ngz]

A spike would be 0.1 or higher. I got changes of a few 1000ths, barely a detectable increase.

 

[Dan Kyle]

A spike would be 0.1 or higher. I got changes of a few 1000ths, barely a detectable increase.

That’s definitely reassuring to know. Thank you

 

[dopey]

I'm also worried about my upcoming move.

Should you reuse the sand or get new sand? Nervous since I recall seeing emergency threads people blamed on "disturbing" the sand bed during a move?

What do you plan to do ? New sand or reuse?

 

[Dan Kyle]

I'm also worried about my upcoming move.

Should you reuse the sand or get new sand? Nervous since I recall seeing emergency threads people blamed on "disturbing" the sand bed during a move?

What do you plan to do ? New sand or reuse?

I would definitely not use your old sand. I’d recommend starting with new sand. Just use your old rock and the water from your old tank.

 

[dopey]

I would definitely not use your old sand. I’d recommend starting with new sand. Just use your old rock and the water from your old tank.

Was my plan, nice for some reassurance ! Thanks