upgrading to a larger tank

reef-freak · Jul 6, 2015

hello everyone. I have a 29 nano and I'm ready to start an upgrade to a 60 gallon 2x2x2.I want to put it in the same spot the 29 is at.can I break down the 29 and set up the 60 with the rock and water from 29 . I know I'll need more rock and around 30 gallons of new salt water or do I have to set the 60 up and let it cycle ; then transfer fish and coral. what's the proper way to do this.I have a couple of bta's, rock anenomies, star and button pollops, purple and green hammer and frogspon,schrooms and dunkon. My fish are a pair of snow onox clowns, helfrinky fire fish, and a purple tang. I don't want to lose anything when I do the upgrade. I'm trying to decide what equipment I'll need for the 60. I have a NIB mp10w.I need recommendations on sump, skimmer w/ fuge, LED lights, reactors, and other stuff I'll need to set it up right.Help me get this done. I don't want to buy the wrong eq. I want good quality at resoneable prices. this is the first of a 2 tank build so I don't need top of the line equipment. 60 will be a q and frag tank after I get the 2nd tank up and running. I'm looking forward to your advice and recommendations.Thank you in advance for your help

saltyphish · Jul 7, 2015

Set the 60 up and let it cycle. Even if you use the old rock you will probably still have a cycle. Imo never reuse sand. It can be done safely but to me it's more of a headache than it's worth.

reef-freak · Jul 7, 2015

Thank you saltyphish for your reply. can other members please help me.

saltyphish · Jul 8, 2015

maroun.c · Jul 8, 2015

As you're placing the 60 at the same spot as the 29 it won't be possible to run the tank to cycle beforehand unless yo're willing to set it up and run it and then take out the curent tank, Empty the 60 and move it in???
running the 60 before hand and mixing it's water periodically with water from teh 29 will definitely make the move easier and speed up any cycle you will get. I would prepare a bit more water than anticipated as when you break down the tank some of the water will be very dirty because of released detritus from rocks and sand and can't be used.
Might be best to use fresh sand to start with as well.
As for equipment do post what you are considering to get so people will chime in with their experience on your selected equipment.

reef-freak · Jul 8, 2015

thank you Maroun.c . for your response . i'm thinking of BRS duel reactors for carbon and GFO. sump 24"gen 3 or a square one? any recommendations. skimmer; open for suggestions. lighting -LED . hydra 52?