Replacing Hardscape in Reef Tank

If_Only · Jan 4, 2020

So... I'm getting burnt out of my current scape, it was the first aquascape (for saltwater, did LOTS of freshwater ones before) and I didn't really build it too much with corals in mind. I'm also having some algae issues, which frankly are because over the holidays I got a bit lazy, but I AM NOT doing this to get rid of the algae. So I have a Red sea Max 170, and I have the added on sump, so I have a few pounds of rock down there which has been there for a year, I also have a 1/2 liter giver or take of seachem Matrix, because I had it, and threw it in the sump when the tank started. So I wouldn't lose all the bacteria, but I would lose a lot. I am thinking of for the most part leaving my sand bed where it is, I would like to take a little out but I'm worried I might disturb something. So if I take all my coral out and fish, leaving most water and most sand, could I then take out the rock and switch it with a scape I've put together out of the tank?

Will this plan work? If you mind telling me the flaws in my plan id love the feedback. Are there alternative to this. Past experiences would be VERY VERY appreciated.

Also forgot to mention, The rock piece I have now is mostly glued together so I cant take a little out now and again.

Dempsey941 · Jan 4, 2020

So the only issue is that your new rock will cycle agaIn, diatoms, cyano, dinos, etc. which can have a negative impact on your corals, along with the increase in phosphates that some dry rock leeches. You can alleviate some of this by cycling your new rock in some water change water for a few weeks in a bucket or you can tossit into your sump until you are ready to rescape.

If_Only · Jan 5, 2020

Dempsey941 said:
So the only issue is that your new rock will cycle agaIn, diatoms, cyano, dinos, etc. which can have a negative impact on your corals, along with the increase in phosphates that some dry rock leeches. You can alleviate some of this by cycling your new rock in some water change water for a few weeks in a bucket or you can tossit into your sump until you are ready to rescape.

I was thinking, because I plan two islands in my scape if it could add maybe one of these "islands" into the sump to cycle? I don't thinking I could fit everything in the sump but maybe half the rock? Would that reduce the cycle?

Dempsey941 · Jan 5, 2020

If_Only said:
I was thinking, because I plan two islands in my scape if it could add maybe one of these "islands" into the sump to cycle? I don't thinking I could fit everything in the sump but maybe half the rock? Would that reduce the cycle?

Yea it should. I would leave the new rock in the sump for a couple of weeks then make the swap. You’ll still have an algae breakout most likely, but a decent cuc should keep it at a minimum.

If_Only · Jan 5, 2020

Dempsey941 said:
Yea it should. I would leave the new rock in the sump for a couple of weeks then make the swap. You’ll still have an algae breakout most likely, but a decent cuc should keep it at a minimum.

Alright, thanks I might try that.
Now I need to figure out how im gonna move my rock flower anemones... but that's a different post lol.
Any other opinions or experiences.