Time for a tank upgrade!

Merlin79 · Sep 1, 2017

I currently have a 15g standard 24x13x13 with my Ai Prime light and hob filter.

After 2.5yrs we want a bit bigger.

We are planning an upgrade to either the 25g IM lagoon if it fits. If not it's the 20g...

We will be using the Ai Prime and building our own stand.

Any suggestions on the transfer process?

I figured:

Make new water

Siphon water into buckets

Livestock in one, rocks in another (with heater and water movement)

Place new stand in, level it.

Put eggcrate pieces (not full length of tank)
Add my rocks on eggcrate, add new sand, add water.

Ensure temp and sg is correct, add livestock.

I will have an ammonia badge just to be safe and seachem prime in the event of anything.

Does this sound good?

How long can the rocks be out of water safely for aquascaping?

Any good fish for a 25g?

I have 2 oc. Clowns and a starry blenny.

Thanks

Mike N · Sep 1, 2017

I'd reuse that water from the 15g. It will minimize the mini-cycle you're likely to have after switching.
Beyond that, solid plan.
I've heard many different things about LR being out of water. I don't think anything is definitive except to minimize the amount of time its out of water. If youre going from a bucket to the tank, it shouldnt be an issue.

nautical_nathaniel · Sep 1, 2017

Get a 20 gallon or so cooler to keep your critters and coral in while you making the transition. Keeping the lid closed on it will make it dark inside so your fish will relax a bit more and you won't have a large temperature swing.

I'd also use the tank water as suggested above.

I love my IM Nuvo 20, it's a great all-in-one tank and I'm sure you will enjoy it a whole lot more after dealing with a HOB filter

Merlin79 · Sep 1, 2017

Oh, sorry.
I do plan to use the water I will be keeping the liverock and livestock in. Just making new water to fill the remaining amount.

Plus a cup or so of old sand.

I plan on keeping the rocks in water the whole time except when placing them in the tank.

I thought the chances of a mini cycle were low since its just a transfer?