Tank upgrade

[RyanSweet]

Looking for information, advice, and opinions.

I've been in the salt water hobby for 21yrs this year and enjoyed (mostly) every minute of it. This will be the first time that I've upgraded a tank, AND kept any livestock from the old tank. My plan is to keep my 75gal up and running while I get the 120gal ready for the exchange. I'm getting rid of some live rock due to some unwanted palys that rode in on a frag years ago and started to take over. I'm moving the remaining rock, all fish, and wanted coral/inverts to the new 120 once it's ready. I'm getting all new sand (using none from the 75), some new dry rock to replace what I'm not moving over, and to add some for the extra space. Biggest fear (and excitement, really) is, what will I find in my sand after 9yrs of a running reef??

For those of you who have done a tank upgrade/transfer like this, what are things that you would do different/same/NOT do at all/etc?

Also, I've been looking at rock scapes online and trying to decide which way to go, so if you have any pics of your design (before and after stocking), or suggestions on that, I'd be grateful.



Thanks!!

 

[Flippers4pups]

Transfer should be much of a issue. Replacing sand with new is a great idea, especially after all those years.

Getting rid of the palythoa is a great idea. I have to do the same soon on some of my rock. I have plenty of rock in my sump ready to swap.

You shouldn't have a cycle in the new tank if your transfer over the existing rock. Aquascape in the center of the tank. This allows flow in front and back. Drilling the rock and using fiberglass rods to secure the rocks is recommended. Some use epoxy/putty to hold them together. I used quikrete hydraulic cement, but my current build was started with dry rock.

Keep us updated on the transfer. Best of luck!

 

[Jon Fishman]

I would be tempted to siphon enough water from the 75 into the new sump...... just to have even less need to cycle.