Help my tank just cracked!

40B Knasty · Jul 13, 2017

I have a 40B. Picking up a new one in 3hrs when Petco opens.
1)What do I do with the sand?
2) I have my 42lbs of live rock heated and in circulation with corals.
3) my fish are in a 20g. With 20lbs of LR from the 40B.
4) will they be alright if I put them in a new tank not cycled?
Please if you do not know. Please do not answer. This is no time for guessing for me. Ty for your help!

ecam · Jul 13, 2017

Sand.
How long has the tank been running ?
And how deep is the sand bed.
That question will determine what to do with sand. If it's deep (> 2") and setup for a long time (> 1 year) you probably have to ditch the sand. Moving it with s proper cleaning can release toxic stuff.
Cycle.
You are doing great with rock and fish. Most if not all the beneficial bacteria is on the rocks. So if you keep that alive you should afford a major cycle. Do a expect a minor one. So pick some dr tims or other bottled bacteria for safety.

Maritimer · Jul 13, 2017

The Petco where you're picking up the replacement tank may very well carry BioSpira as well - that's a fine active-bacterial product to add a bit of insurance. Ecam's right - your biofilter's in your rock, so your fish and corals should be OK moving into a new glass box.

~Bruce, wishing you a smooth transition from here out

40B Knasty · Jul 13, 2017

I am about to upload a video

40B Knasty · Jul 13, 2017

What about instant ocean sand?

Maritimer · Jul 13, 2017

Rinse it.

Expect some cloudiness.

Otherwise, you should be OK with that. I've never used that brand, but if it's aragonite sand...

~Bruce

40B Knasty · Jul 13, 2017

40B Knasty · Jul 13, 2017

My sand is 6 months old black Hawaiian 40lbs and 10lbs araginite

40B Knasty · Jul 13, 2017

Natures Ocean sand I meant. Not instant.

Maritimer · Jul 13, 2017

Well prepared, and well managed! You're probably handling this better than I would - at least you seem to be.

It occurs to me that you might want to double-check the leveling and flatness of your stand's surface, just in case that's what caused the tank to crack like that.

You might be able to rinse/clean the sand and return it ... but there is a risk of anaerobic buildup in the lower levels of sand being released into the tank.

~Bruce

40B Knasty · Jul 13, 2017

I am thinking since the tank has been sitting around for 4-5hrs. There is no way the bacteria will be good in the sand anymore with no motion or heat

rich nyc · Jul 13, 2017

nice sand. I just upgraded a 6 months old tank but decided to just get new sand and have been using live bacteria and everything is doing fine from my sps corals to inverts to fish.

aj741986 · Jul 13, 2017

What caused the tank to crack? With a crack like that im very shocked the tank didnt just blow out.

Maacc · Jul 13, 2017

Definitely double check your stand with a good level if the tank is rimmed that is sufficient (I am fairly certain all petco tanks are). If you had a rimless i would suggest a 1/2"or so foam pad to deal with any surface irregularities.
If your sand is clean, reuse it, you can also take this as an opportunity to get rid of any detritus and silt.
As far as a new tank, you should be fine, as stated above most of your filtration is in your rock and any biofilter medium you may have.
You might get a small spike from something that doesn't make it from the transfers, but it should be minor.

40B Knasty · Jul 13, 2017

aj741986 said:
What caused the tank to crack? With a crack like that im very shocked the tank didnt just blow out.

Maybe the AC and 78F tank temp.

falconut · Jul 13, 2017

I was able to move my fish over from a 44 to my current 90 since the LR was already cycled and established. You should be able to do the same without much of a problem. So, long as your fish load isn't too big.

As far as sand, I'll probably try and use as much as possible. Maybe rinse it in a bucket outside to clean it so you're not introducing any decaying organics. Good luck.

ecam · Jul 13, 2017

I just have to say. If you have better place to get the tank than petco. Please do so. The tank quality from petco has really gone to crap since they switched from aqueon and perfecto.

I just do not trust those tanks imho.

40B Knasty · Jul 13, 2017

Well I have 65 gallon tank stand. Maybe time for an upgrade. Time is of the essence right now for me. Not sure what to especially with no sleep since 11 am yesterday.

40B Knasty · Jul 13, 2017

falconut said:
I was able to move my fish over from a 44 to my current 90 since the LR was already cycled and established. You should be able to do the same without much of a problem. So, long as your fish load isn't too big.

As far as sand, I'll probably try and use as much as possible. Maybe rinse it in a bucket outside to clean it so you're not introducing any decaying organics. Good luck.

Fish load is a 5 fish. Flame angel, spotted Mandarin, clown, yellow&purple wrasse, Randall prawn who is not going back in, and grammica lined dart fish.