Swapping aquariums

[coralosity351]

Hi I just got an 80 gallon tank and would like to swap everything from the 55 to the 80 however I also would like to keep the 55 below as a sump. What would be the best way to go about this? The 55 has only been up for about 3 months and all I have in it are 2 clowns, 1 fire shrimp and a mushroom frag and gsp frag. My biggest question I guess would be how do I go about adding all of the extra water to the system with out disturbing the current balance?

 

[Humblefish]

I would fill the 80 with 30 gallons of new SW and then add the rest from the 55. Think of it just as a big WC. The only issue might be adding the old sand over, but you should be OK if the tank has only been setup 3 months.

 

[coralosity351]

So how much extra should go in the 55 if I use it for a sump?

 

[Humblefish]

So how much extra should go in the 55 if I use it for a sump?

Assuming the 55 will be half full if used as a sump, you'll probably need roughly 50 gallons of new SW on hand just to be safe. Of course, rock displacement also plays a factor - depending upon how many lbs of rock you plan on putting in the 80.

 

[coralosity351]

Ok cool thanks so should I mix that up when I mix up the 30 for the 80?

 

[Humblefish]

Ok cool thanks so should I mix that up when I mix up the 30 for the 80?

Yeah I would have 50 gallons of freshly mixed SW sitting in the 80 ready to go. Get the rest you need from the 55. It will be like doing a big WC. Of course, make sure SG & temp matches between the two. And make sure all plumbing is done on the 80 before filling it with any water.