How to transfer to a new tank?

[mfbs1998]

I currently have a 46 gallon bowfront mixed reef tank (mostly LPS and SPS) and I am planning to upgrade it during the summer. I would like some advice and ideas on how to successfully transfer everything from my old tank to the new tank.

The only thing that is being replaced is the tank itself and the stand. I will still be using my current equipment except the tank itself (obviously lol). The new tank will be placed in the same spot as the old tank. Im just trying to decide on what is my best course of action.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Let the new tank cycle. Any new rock have this cycle in new tank for the same period before you added livestock to your current tank will save a lot of headaches.

 

[mfbs1998]

Let the new tank cycle. Any new rock have this cycle in new tank for the same period before you added livestock to your current tank will save a lot of headaches.

would it be a good idea to place my livestock in a big tub and have a powerhead running in it with the lights over it while I wait for the new tank to finish cycling?

 

[Gareth elliott]

would it be a good idea to place my livestock in a big tub and have a powerhead running in it with the lights over it while I wait for the new tank to finish cycling?

You can cycle the rock in a rubbermaid container while your current tank is running so theres no need to subject livestock to 2 transfers

 

[mfbs1998]

You can cycle the rock in a rubbermaid container while your current tank is running so theres no need to subject livestock to 2 transfers

Ohh Ok i think i get what you're saying

Im also planning to use 75%-80% of the old rock and transfer most of my water. So get a rubbermaid container and cycle the new rock a couple of weeks before the big transfer. Once the day comes, I can put all of my new rock and the livestock into the tank.

would that be a good idea?

 

[Juniorh2r]

Same process I'm going through tomorrow what I've been doing the past 2 water changes I saved the water and have a pump running in the container I'm going to use my same live rock and sand just my add some more sand rinse the new sand not the old I'm using my same filter socks which I have saved 4 of them and most of my equipment only a bigger skimmer and another light so hopefully everything goes well tomorrow super excited and nervous at the same time

 

[mfbs1998]

Same process I'm going through tomorrow what I've been doing the past 2 water changes I saved the water and have a pump running in the container I'm going to use my same live rock and sand just my add some more sand rinse the new sand not the old I'm using my same filter socks which I have saved 4 of them and most of my equipment only a bigger skimmer and another light so hopefully everything goes well tomorrow super excited and nervous at the same time

yah that is what i was thinking too. Hope all goes well for you man!

 

[pjdiddy]

You can cycle the rock in a rubbermaid container while your current tank is running so theres no need to subject livestock to 2 transfers

If the rocks are done cycling, what's the next step? Transfer the water from rubbermaid to the new tank? Will it cause another cycle if we add sand?

 

[samnaz]

If the rocks are done cycling, what's the next step? Transfer the water from rubbermaid to the new tank? Will it cause another cycle if we add sand?

no. the bacteria is held mostly in the rock. hardly any in the water.

 

[Sorcha2]

Honestly your best bet is to treat it like your doing a move to a new location. Dedicate a day or weekend to it. Get a bunch of food grade buckets and airstones. Mix up a bunch of new water ahead of time. Put livestock into their own individual buckets with water and airstones. Put rock into it's own buckets of water possibly even with airstones. Scoop out the sand into it's own bucket maybe rinsing it a little with some new water if there is much debris in it keeping it wet. Switch tanks. Put new or mostly new water with sand into new tank, then rocks, then depending on the amount of sand in the water you may be able to put livestock in right away or have to wait a few hours for it to settle out. Everything has stayed wet so there shouldn't be much cycling but still keep an eye on it and do extra due diligence for awhile in case of spikes.

 

[Gareth elliott]

If the rocks are done cycling, what's the next step? Transfer the water from rubbermaid to the new tank? Will it cause another cycle if we add sand?

As long as the sand is rinsed no need to cycle if theres cycled rock added with it imo.

Wont cause a another cycle ime.

 

[Deiblerj]

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