Tank Restart - Suggestions?

[tgfitz1]

I have been very close to pulling the trigger on a tank upgrade in recent weeks because I have an urge to change things around and do things differently. I'm pretty happy with the tank that I've got (apart from a really bad case of cyano at the moment), so rather than spend all the extra money I thought I'd just essentially restart my tank in a different direction.

This includes upgrading most of the equipment I currently have. I'm definitely going to upgrade the lights; I'm looking at getting the AI Hydra 26 or 52 HDs. My tank is 36L x 16W x 16H, do you think I would need more than one Hydra 26 unit?

Also I'm going to keep more SPS in this reboot which I am very new to, will one MP10 be sufficient flow wise? I do have spare powerheads lying around I could use also.

However, the main reason I'm posting this thread is because I'm going to be switching out all of my rock for a type of man made rock such as Real Reef, as well as my sand for a finer substrate. I'm getting rid of all of my fish and coral bar my Black Ice Clowns and my Mandarin, but I'm not sure what to do with them while I'm changing things around in the tank.

I'm basically worried about any mini-cycles or complete cycles I may go through, but I will be keeping my media. I plan on adding a couple bottles of bacteria anyway just to be on the safe side.

Thanks for reading all the way through if you have, any advice would be greatly appreciated as always! [emoji3]

 

[Tahoe61]

For a 36 long you should get two fixtures if the direction is sps dominated. I have a 26 inch long with one AI Hydra 52 and I would prefer two especially for a longer tank. Two primes would work well.

I would add one more quality power head on the other end of the tank.

Cycle your new rock in a container for two weeks or more with some bacteria in bottle, flow and heater.

A couple larger plastic containers will work well and a 5 gallon tank. Remove old rock and put into plastic container, you can put corals in a smaller container, fish go in the 5 gallon (with flow and heater). Siphon out water until it's becomes easy to catch the fish. Use scoop to remove old sand. Of course media can go in the rock container. Rinse tank and scrape while you have the chance. I would also clean all power heads and pumps with a soak in a vinegar dilution.

Add sand and rock fill tank let run for until water comes to temp and the tank clears somewhat. Do final touches to scape. You should be able to add the fish within 8 hours safely.

 

[tgfitz1]

For a 36 long you should get two fixtures if the direction is sps dominated. I have a 26 inch long with one AI Hydra 52 and I would prefer two especially for a longer tank. Two primes would work well.

I would add one more quality power head on the other end of the tank.

Cycle your new rock in a container for two weeks or more with some bacteria in bottle, flow and heater.

A couple larger plastic containers will work well and a 5 gallon tank. Remove old rock and put into plastic container, you can put corals in a smaller container, fish go in the 5 gallon (with flow and heater). Siphon out water until it's becomes easy to catch the fish. Use scoop to remove old sand. Of course media can go in the rock container. Rinse tank and scrape while you have the chance. I would also clean all power heads and pumps with a soak in a vinegar dilution.

Add sand and rock fill tank let run for until water comes to temp and the tank clears somewhat. Do final touches to scape. You should be able to add the fish within 8 hours safely.

Thank you for the comprehensive advice!

I thought that it would be more sensible to go for two fixtures, how do you like your Hydra 52?

The rock in question has actually been cycling in a tank at my LFS for a couple months or so now, so I'm hoping that it'll be good to go.

I will follow the rest of the advice accordingly, there's a few good points in there that I hadn't thought of myself.

Thanks again!

 

[Tahoe61]

I like it very much and there are a lot of stunning sps tanks that use the fixture. They do offer more shaded areas then MH especially with just one fixture. You're tank is fairly shallow but it's too long, you would get a lot of darker areas on the edges.

I am glad you found some of the advice applicable. Trust me I have had the urge to change up my tanks more than once so I have some practice. Planning the change helps a lot, and taking breaks and not being rushed makes the event less stressful.

 

[tgfitz1]

I have purchased an MP10, and a Hydra 52 unit, and I'll probably add more when I've got more funds. Also bought some new substrate, Fiji Pink reef base from Red Sea.

Will hopefully make the switch this weekend!