TrialandError
Well-Known Member
I wouldn't risk it, but ultimatly it's up to you what you do.
Upgrading to 210g! Need help!
- Thread starter bigdpro21
- Start date
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If it were me, I'd set up the 210 where you want it with new sand and use cured LR or dry rock. When I was ready to do the move, I'd do it all at once. I'd quickly move all the rock and corals without letting them sit in the air or get cold. This will prevent any die off in the existing rock. I've moved tanks across town and have never had a cycle or die off from doing it this way.
Once your done moving the rock, drain down a lot of the water and use it in the new tank. It has beneficial bacteria. Then catch the fish and add them to the new tank.
Thats how I would do it. I've moved a couple tanks (one from cali to washington) and set up numerous. It takes a lot to cause a cycle with existing rock if you keep it submerged and warm. Moving it across the room will not cause much if any death. Plus your doubling your water volume.
If you really want to use your old sand, Only add 1/2 as much new sand as you really want to the new tank. Then once all your hard work is done (Tank swap) you can take your time to rinse it very well, dechlorinate it and then slowly add it to the new tank a ziploc at a time when your ready.
Once your done moving the rock, drain down a lot of the water and use it in the new tank. It has beneficial bacteria. Then catch the fish and add them to the new tank.
Thats how I would do it. I've moved a couple tanks (one from cali to washington) and set up numerous. It takes a lot to cause a cycle with existing rock if you keep it submerged and warm. Moving it across the room will not cause much if any death. Plus your doubling your water volume.
If you really want to use your old sand, Only add 1/2 as much new sand as you really want to the new tank. Then once all your hard work is done (Tank swap) you can take your time to rinse it very well, dechlorinate it and then slowly add it to the new tank a ziploc at a time when your ready.
The thing is that I want to put the new tank where my old one is. So I wouldn't be able to have it set up with water and rocks unless I move the 90g first(which i would have to drain to move) lol I'm confused as to the order in which I need to do this
TrialandError
Well-Known Member
Ok go this route. Take out all rocks from 90 and put in a trashcan used for fish stuff or some kind of container keep moist. Rocks with corals on them put in another container and put old tank water in to keep corals in water. Catch fish and put in buckets. Have new saltwater water mixed up and ready for new tank no need for old dirty water and there is nothing good in water. Drain the 90 move it put 210 in place. Add sand, rock, water, fish. Water will probably be cloudy so rock scape won't be perfect. Can always rearrange later.
Then you need to bribe a friend or two to help out. YOu will need to have some large totes or coolers. Add the water and LR in a couple and then the fish in another or two. Keep powerheads and heaters in them to keep the water aerated and warm. You will need A lot of new water made up, warm and ready, and you should also cure your new rock since you have to commit so much time and energy into the move and don't want any
losses.
When the day comes, start early, break down the old tank into the tubs, set up the new tank (you could do a mock up of plumbing when its still in the garage) start adding your sand, rock and water and finally corals and fish. If your quick you can do it all in less than 14 hours.
Otherwise, try to find a temporary tank you can move stuff into to while you set up the 210. Its a big task your taking on. It wont be easy no matter how you do it.
losses.
When the day comes, start early, break down the old tank into the tubs, set up the new tank (you could do a mock up of plumbing when its still in the garage) start adding your sand, rock and water and finally corals and fish. If your quick you can do it all in less than 14 hours.
Otherwise, try to find a temporary tank you can move stuff into to while you set up the 210. Its a big task your taking on. It wont be easy no matter how you do it.
jason g
Well-Known Member
I transferred all my corals, water, fish and sand from my 72g to my 120g in one day and only lost my Powder Brown Tang to ich. I was bummed but I knew I was going to lose something, it just happens during a change over. Also my water levels never got out of control during the transfer or after. You can check my 120g build to see how it went. Maybe I got lucky but it can be done but then again you would be upgrading to 200g tank, more water volume.Just like everyone says it's up to you to take that risk. Good luck. 
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