Upgrading Tank - How Do I Do It?

[corey.nolta]

So I am upgrading my tank from a 90 to a 250 deep. I have some questions as well as looking at some opinions on my game plan, as I have never switched tanks.. Last time I upgraded there was a few months lull in between so I didn't have to worry about livestock, temporary housing, die off, etc.

So my game plan is the following:
Fish - I have two tanks with equipment set up in my basement to house my fish. Not too worried about this.
Coral - I have a frag tank set up in my basement as well that will house the coral. Not too worried about this either.
Rock - When I tear down my current tank I plan on filling a garbage can or two with tank water and storing the rock in the garbage cans with a heater and powerhead.
Sand - Can I use the same sand? Can that go in a garbage can too (with powerhead and heater?) Do I need to rinse it first? I obviously want to keep as much beneficial bacteria as possible so I can get everything running as soon as possible with the new set up. I fully expect a nutrient spike with the sand, but am I still able to add it back into the new set up without too much die off?

Thoughts? Ideas? Any tips to make this a smooth process?? Help !

 

[Tahoe61]

If you have the funds buy new sand. You'll have enough beneficial bacteria with the rock, and you can use any seed filtration mediums. Do not look back in in 6 months and wonder why you have an algae issue or elevated nutrient levels, just take used sand out of the equation. You're investing enough in the new system.

 

[Johniejumbo]

I agree on getting new sand. However I am about to reuse some sand myself because I’m poor lol. I’m going to clean the heck out of it though. Not worried about bacteria because the rock will have plent. I’m am dealing with a much smaller setup so cleaning the sand won’t be near the task for me compared to you. So it probably would be better to get new sand. As far as tips for transitioning. I would keep some fresh salt water mixed up and have a bottle of Prime handy. Just in case. Both can be life savers.

 

[corey.nolta]

I might toss around the idea of going bare-bottom. I've done it in a past tank and it took some getting used to, but I did love the ease during cleaning time (I have a tendency to get a little lazy).

My next question is - according to the specs, it looks to weigh about 360 pounds. I have a total of 4 guys going to help load and unload it. But I have a local harbor freight that has the dual suction cup movers. They are only rated at 125 pounds though. Would buying 4-6 of them distribute the weight enough that they would work, or would it still be asking for trouble?

 

[Johniejumbo]

I have never been able to bring myself to use those things. Just seems risky to me. All it takes is one of them failing..... maybe someone who has used them can chime in though because having handles sure would be nice.