Suggestions for 90 gallon set up procedure...

Just Keep Swimming · Aug 4, 2015

***MOVING DAY AUGUST 27****
So the inhabitants and contents of my current 72 gallon tank are getting a new home. They are moving into a 90 gallon with a sump.
This is the first time I have done this so I was hoping for solid advice. My plan is to move the contents of the tank including the water into the new set up, I'll do a water change the week before. I currently have a canister filter so I thought I'd move the ceramic rings into the sump. I will add a small amount of new live rock, a full new live sand bed.

The sump has a biopellet reactor, uv light, pump, protein skimmer...
I'm getting 2 new lights (radion 15w pro), 2 Vortec 40 power heads and an apex controller...

Suggestions on making this go well?

I was also thinking of doing a refugium..... At some point in the future...

zesty · Aug 4, 2015

Just Keep Swimming said:
Suggestions on making this go well?

Are you around a local reef/sw/aquatic club?
If yes, then:
-Make friends
-Invite them to help
-have plenty of food and drink!

If no, then:
Find a local club, make friends... etc!

In all seriousness, I did my first ever "upgrade" I had 3/4 reefheads helping me and it was AWESOME! I made a list of everything, planned out a bunch of stuff, had lists and notes and plans. My friends show up, they require some payment up front, we had some beers

and got to talking...next thing I know, we've changed plans around and most of my plans went out the window. I didn't care, the new ideas were welcoming! I learned a few things and everything went as expected! late night, cloudy water, fun times!

That being said, I'd still plan out everything. This way you not only are familiar with everything, you are comfortable making a last minute change. It won't be as overwhelming, just minor. hehe List out every piece of old vs new equipment and then a short note of what to do with them and where it's planned home is. I had borrowed some bins to hold coral, also a heater and powerhead. I made plenty of new water, you never know if you're going to need that extra 5 gallons...
This may sound a little OCD, but I would try to make it when the LFS is open or the hardware store. You never know when you need that one fitting! arg!!

Good luck!! Post some updates!

Reduck · Aug 4, 2015

What @zesty said. Make a written list. Review it as often as possible. Check for mistakes. Edit as needed. The hardest part I found in this type of an upgrade will be catching your livestock. Try to minimize their stress. Keep whatever holding tank you plan on using well airated and covered.
Set up the new tank and wet check it asap. Last thing you want to do, is have a leak and go backwards.

Get help. Moving a big new tank into place may require 4 people to lift and place it. Save the cocktails till after it's in place and full!

Have extra FSW and rodi just in case along with some Prime and Stability.
Or your starter bacteria of choice. It can't hurt,

Check my build thread. I am about to do the same thing very shortly. This Friday if my helpers are available.

Your basic plan is similar to mine. I created an excel spreadsheet listing every step.

One last thing. If you have coral, wear gloves! And you might even consider taking benadryl as a precaution after you are finished.

Just Keep Swimming · Aug 4, 2015

Thanks! LFS is my helper of choice! The guys at Nemo's Reef in Matthews NC are awesome! The tank I'm moving things into I purchased from my neighbor. He's going off to college! The tank is cleaned and airing out in my garage for now, no leaks!Coincidently, the neighbor started working at Nemo's reef after seeing their van in my driveway when I set up my first tank.

I've taken the set up day off, I have a couple giant Rubbermaid 35 gallon trash can that I use for salt water, plus a 5 gallon bucket of ro/di. Nemo's reef is bringing extra live rock. Lots extra because they know me and I'm picky, if I don't like it it's not going in my tank! They are also bringing my new lights, power heads and controller. Lots of folks may say get it from Amazon, but I like my LFS and supporting local businesses. Besides I have their cell numbers they are always available for questions! I'm thrilled they are coming because they are plumbing wizards lol. I have the sump set up laid out, but they will help with any questions.

I've messed around in my tank plenty, the corals don't irritate me. I use gloves for the little spikes things that likes to grow on the rocks!

BTW I think most salt water tank owners are OCD, LOL!!

Reduck · Aug 5, 2015

I always try to support my LFS. Good move having them helping.
I'm copying my spreadsheet here so you can get an idea of the steps I'm taking..
I'm just the opposite of OCD. More ADD and old(er)
Good luck!

Mix FSW morning of swap. Heat to tank temp.
Wash new sand morning of swap
Gather all pumps and hoses before starting. Towels, mops, gloves.
Test FSW/Tank
Remove about 30G from the 40. Place in 2 20G brutes.
Remove rock and corals and place in the brutes.
Remove another 8G into two 5G buckets.
Catch and store livestock in buckets/covered/airstones running.
Remove last few liters from 40.
Disconnect all apex stuff.
Move old tank out.
Place and level new tank and stand.
Add washed sand.
Place all heaters, skimmer, pumps.
Add 20G FSW.
Place new cycled LR.
Add 20G used SW.
Place LR and corals.
Top off with FSW and used SW mix.
Add probes
Add stability.
Power it up.
Heat as needed.
Insert livestock once temp and circ are achieved.
Add Radions.
Screen top.
Benadryl

Just Keep Swimming · Aug 5, 2015

Love it! I have to add plum sump and set up refugium.....

zesty · Aug 6, 2015

@Reduck awesome list!!

I keep thinking of things to add to this list. haha! Some of it, I would have overlooked if someone didn't bring em, TOWELS! you know you're going to need extra...

Have you thought about your scape? Are you using new rock, new live rock? One thing I've seen people do, is to get a piece of cardboard and cut it to the LxW of your tank and then you can start laying out rocks and seeing how they'll work against each other.

I do like this stuff. I used it on a few of my base rocks and a few other places.
http://www.limpitsreef.com/EPO-Putty.html