Switching tanks?

[Wildblue4]

in the near future I plan on swapping my running 120 to my new 250. I plan on upgrading my sump size and anything I didn’t buy for a larger tank. Most of my equipment was bought oversized so almost all of it will transfer. I have moved tanks plenty of time but always put it back with everything in tact at the new location.
Here are a few questions that I have:

I know I will use all of my existing substrate but I don’t think it will be enough. What are your thoughts on adding new live sand?

Will the tank go through a new algae cycle because of the new substrate?

I want to place this tank in my same spot as the old one so I will be able to add back everything but I will also need to add plenty of new water. Any problems with this?

I know my fish will be ok but I worry about my Magnificent. Any thoughts?

Any thoughts or suggestion are welcome. I have plenty of time to think and plan!!!

 

[Brew12]

I know I will use all of my existing substrate but I don’t think it will be enough. What are your thoughts on adding new live sand?

I would add new dry sand and rinse it very well. My personal belief is that "live" sand is over rated. If you move all your live rock over with your fish, the fish will be fine. You likely want to rinse your old sand at least a little bit prior to moving it over.

Will the tank go through a new algae cycle because of the new substrate?

It will, but it probably won't be too bad.

I want to place this tank in my same spot as the old one so I will be able to add back everything but I will also need to add plenty of new water. Any problems with this?

Not at all, its just a big water change for the most part. Just make sure your temperatures and salinity are a match.

I know my fish will be ok but I worry about my Magnificent. Any thoughts?

I did exactly what you are talking about a little over a year ago and I have a Mag. Foxface. He made the move just fine. I also have treated every fish added to my system with either copper or CP so it is unlikely for me to have a parasite issue when my fish are stressed. If you haven't QT'd everything prior to adding this could present a challenge.

 

[Wildblue4]

I got the tank home and everything looks good except one thing. The predrilled bulkhead holes look to be the same size. Will this work and do I need to plan on doing something different to my plumbing?

 

[Brew12]

The predrilled bulkhead holes look to be the same size.

They look to be the same size as each other? I'm not sure what your concern is.

 

[Wildblue4]

Yes. On all of my other tanks the hole to the sump and the return to the tank were at least 1/4”-1/2” bigger. These appear to be the same size.

 

[Brew12]

Yes. On all of my other tanks the hole to the sump and the return to the tank were at least 1/4”-1/2” bigger. These appear to be the same size.

Doesn't matter if they are too big or the same size. As long as they can handle your designed flow you should be fine. Returns are typically bigger to reduce friction since gravity is working against you, not for you. But, it doesn't really matter.