Transitioning from 36g to 90g

[alimac122]

So I have acquired a 90g I will pick up in three days.
My 36g has been running for a month now (i knew it was too small the minute I got it going).

my question is: Do i need to add more live bacteria when I transfer my 36g? I will obviously be adding more live rock, and sand. Will that be enough? Do I need to worry about the two fish I currently have with the transfer?

 

[NeedMoreReef]

if your adding new live rock and live sand you may have an issue, of course your tank is so new already.
I would set up 90 and let run will new live rock and sand, add water from 36. let run until things test well.

 

[35ppt]

Redacted

 

[alimac122]

The live rock currently supporting your two fish are going to continue supporting them when transferred to a larger water volume. However, while likely not necessary adding some Fritz Turbostart 9000 or Instant Ocean Bio-Spira can offer an insurance policy against any ammonia issues while the tank settles in. While other bottled bacteria will take too long to be of any use, such as Microbacter7 etc.

Thanks! Ill order more tubostart today! I was just worried since it is nearly a 50% water change I would see new ammonia spikes.

 

[Sparkymarc]

I also used turbo start when I transferred from my 90 gal to my 270 gal. I had no problems but I would advise not to use old sand unless it is not that old or dirty. Stirring up old sand could cause ammonia spike. Like 35ppt said, if you’re not adding anymore livestock at the moment, your current bacteria should do fine

 

[35ppt]

Redacted

 

[alimac122]

I also used turbo start when I transferred from my 90 gal to my 270 gal. I had no problems but I would advise not to use old sand unless it is not that old or dirty. Stirring up old sand could cause ammonia spike.

I JUST did a 10% water change yesterday and made sure to vac the sand really well. So i am going to use the old sand and maybe a tad bit of new. But the 36g is only a month old so i am hoping not much detritus has built up

 

[Idoc]

I JUST did a 10% water change yesterday and made sure to vac the sand really well. So i am going to use the old sand and maybe a tad bit of new. But the 36g is only a month old so i am hoping not much detritus has built up

You should be fine with your 1month old sand without any problems. But, you will probably need additional sand...the footprint of a 36g and 90g is much different if you are wanting to keep a 1-2" sand bed.

 

[Sparkymarc]

You’ll be fine. Some people don’t vacuum, so there is detritus trapped in the sand and when stirred up causes ammonia spike

 

[eric33014]

Make sure all water parameters are stable before adding new livestock. The new feeling of a big open tank pushes many to pull the trigger on adding more than the system can handle cause the tank looks empty. Add more live rock. Good luck. Post picture of the tank. I have a 90. I had to downsize due to moving from a 220. Miss my big tank.

 

[alimac122]

You should be fine with your 1month old sand without any problems. But, you will probably need additional sand...the footprint of a 36g and 90g is much different if you are wanting to keep a 1-2" sand bed.

Yes I know its a 90g cube. so it has the same width but is double in depth. I plan on adding another 10 pounds of sand!

 

[Sparkymarc]

I agree with eric33014. Right after I transferred to my 270, it looked so empty. So I had to slap myself every time I wanted to buy more fish, in first few weeks. Lol. It’s better to monitor your parameters and let your bacteria build up. Although I didn’t really upgrade because I wanted more fish, I did it to keep this guy happy. I just couldn’t part with him. Had him since was a baby.

 

[alimac122]

Make sure all water parameters are stable before adding new livestock. The new feeling of a big open tank pushes many to pull the trigger on adding more than the system can handle cause the tank looks empty. Add more live rock. Good luck. Post picture of the tank. I have a 90. I had to downsize due to moving from a 220. Miss my big tank.

most definitely will add pics of the new guy. I am super excited because I wanted a refugium and was about to make my own on the 36's sump. but this one is pre sectioned and although this is a $400 investment i am hoping to sell my 36 and then buy an algae barn starter pack.

 

[alimac122]

I agree with eric33014. Right after I transferred to my 270, it looked so empty. So I had to slap myself every time I wanted to buy more fish, in first few weeks. Lol. It’s better to monitor your parameters and let your bacteria build up. Although I didn’t really upgrade because I wanted more fish, I did it to keep this guy happy. I just couldn’t part with him. Had him since was a baby.

Why does he look like he has chunky cheeks! hes so cute. I wouldnt want to part either!

 

[Sparkymarc]

He’s got chunky everything. Lol. He loves to eat.

 

[alimac122]

Hey y’all, the guy just told me his tank is still running because there are tons of feather dusters in the sump. My plan of attack is to bring 6 HD buckets, that way I have 30ish gallons of his water, 30ish of mine and 30ish of new (plus minus the sand and rock and sump level).
Is this a solid plan? The guy is doing an upgrade/downgrade combining 5 tanks into two. He promised he’s never had bristles or any other pests. Just some bubble algae on live rock (which he purposely kept).

 

[eric33014]

I would drip aclimate if anything. Make your own water. Don't know what his params are and then you would also have to drip aclimate your fish. Have things in your control not someone else's. again make your own water. That's my opinion.

 

[eric33014]

And for the bubble algae do u have the CUC available for it to be handled. I would keep it separate from your tank.

 

[alimac122]

Update::
Tank, stand, sump and accessories are in my possession.
biggest failure to date is the stand is too wide to fit into my office. By a grand total of 1.5”

so it looks like another DIY project in the works.

 

[eric33014]

DIY project definitely in the works. Do what fits and fits your taste. Not is the time to make changes etc. Good luck keep posted