Tank Migration

[Auntjemimma]

Hey guys,

I'm installing a larger tank and will be moving all of my corals / fish from a 40 gallon to 90 gallon. This tank will have a new sump / lighting (going from a Gen 4 xr30 pro to reef breeder photon v2 48"). What is the best way to approach this task without causing harm to the corals and fish? My GSP and pulsing Xenia are now completely covering reef rocks and I would like to keep them intact for the process. I would also like to get rid of various pests in the transfer (I have flatworms that I can't seem to get rid of).

 

[HairyGary]

First off, welcome to R2R!

I assume the new tank is close to the old one? If so, i would get the new tank up and running with matching temp and salinity and seed the new rock in the new tank if possible. When you move the inhabitants over, I would drain old tank into tubs and move rock to the tubs etc. I would then drain the new tank so you can then add the old water and rock to the new tank. When the rock and coral are in the tubs, you can inspect. It maybe very difficult to remove any flatworms in the move but I've removed unwanted algae in a move. Once the water in the old tank is drained, fish are also easier to catch and remove. Have you tried a natural predator to remove the flatworms? I assume you could dip certain corals in the move but with those coral encrusted rocks it will not work.

 

[Ron Reefman]

If you water parameters are close enough, especially temp, SG, alk and Ca, you shouldn't have any issues. The Photon light is good, I use them. And you can dial it back a bit for the first week.

 

[Auntjemimma]

If you water parameters are close enough, especially temp, SG, alk and Ca, you shouldn't have any issues. The Photon light is good, I use them. And you can dial it back a bit for the first week.

I'm wondering if I should cycle as a new tank or just use my existing water?

 

[Ron Reefman]

The water makes very little difference. It's the rocks that have the vast majority of the good bacteria that develop during the cycle. If you are using all your old rock, you'll be ok. You will likely have a mini cycle and even some time of the uglies as the new tank matures.

I just went through the same thing moving from a 40g to a 90g tank.

 

[Auntjemimma]

The water makes very little difference. It's the rocks that have the vast majority of the good bacteria that develop during the cycle. If you are using all your old rock, you'll be ok. You will likely have a mini cycle and even some time of the uglies as the new tank matures.

I just went through the same thing moving from a 40g to a 90g tank.

How would I go about getting rid of unwanted pests from my live rock before placing them in the new tank?