Moving from Red Sea E260 to 450

[Cranky_Wonderer]

I will be upgrading and moving from a Red Sea E260 (which I've converted to under cabinet sump) to a Red Sea 450 in the coming weeks and wanted to get some of the experts feedback on a few things.

I had originally thought of moving all my sand but the more I think about it the more I want to start out with new (Eden Tropics - mix of Reef Flakes and MiniFlakes). I have always cleaned my sand bed so not really worried about the huge bacteria issue people speak of so my motive is more about starting out with fresh sand that isn't going to blow around and honestly, have read great things about Eden Tropic so figured I'd just do it right.

In doing this though, will I be leaving behind a lot of beneficial bacteria? I don't believe so as I have quite a bit of LR but just wanted some opinions on this.

Related to the above, I was thinking 70lbs of sand (40 Reef Flakes and 30 MiniFlakes) would be enough for the 450. I'd like around a 1.5" sand bed and from a few calculators I've used, I think this will be enough but any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

What is the general consensus in moving the water? I'll have my rock, coral, and fish in tubs as I do the transfer but again, is there any benefit in using all new water? My parameters outside PH have always been good but recently, I've been battling ALK swings. Dosing Randy's ALK recipe has been hit and miss in maintaining it for some reason so on the new system, I plan on just dosing Red Sea's ALK.

Below is what I'll be upgrading from. All rock and live rock will be moved along with the inhabitants.

 

[Scurvy]

Nice Setup! I won’t claim to be an expert but here’s my thoughts anyway

I can tell you that I mixed the same two Tropic Eden grain sizes in a 40breeder and my sand blew all over the place with an MP-10 and icecap gyre both running random up to about 50% intensity. The 40 isn’t as deep as the Reefer but you may want to consider only using the larger grain size if you plan on strong flow.

As for water I would re-use as much as possible from the existing tank. You’re close to/if not doubling your total volume so dilution will occur regardless. All new water would be a bigger shock to the system IMO.

 

[Cranky_Wonderer]

Thanks much! On your Tropic Eden sand...did you have equal parts? My hope was having more of the reef flake would help keep the mini in place.

 

[Scurvy]

Thanks much! On your Tropic Eden sand...did you have equal parts? My hope was having more of the reef flake would help keep the mini in place.

I went heavier on the Reef Flake thinking along the same lines as you. If I had to put a number on it, Maybe 70% Flake/30% Mini.

 

[Cranky_Wonderer]

Ok thanks...Just ordered all Reef Flakes. Appreciate the input on the minis as well as the water!

 

[Scurvy]

Its the best sand Ive tried so far. Rinse it well before using.