Tank move/upgrade/transfer

[Manolo_AP]

Hey guys. This weekend I'm moving from my apartment to literally the apartment right next to me. (More space. Bigger bedroom etc.)

So I figured its a perfect time to upgrade. I'm moving from a stabdard 55 gallon to a 72 Bowfront.

The bowfront is already in place empty at the new apt. Just waiting for the transfer on friday-sat.

I could use some tips on how to go about the transfer. I'm a bit nervous after reading some horror stories online.

 

[Manolo_AP]

Anybody?

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

I would suggest cleaning the sand thoroughly before placing it into the tank. Only problem with that is losing the beneficial life.

Recently dealt with someone on here that tried doing the same and reusing the sand and he lost a lot.

I would rinse the sand well because of all the detrius that gets backed up in the sand.

 

[Reef lover24]

Use buckets man.. I am upgrading from a 57g to a 110 this weekend and I have been nervous as well. Put them in a tote with a heater and powerhead as well as air bubbles and they should be fine. I have done tank transfers using the same sand with no issues. Just use some old sand, and a lot of new sand and you should be fine.

 

[edd]

1st- remove rock , put in a tote.
2nd- remove live stock put in tote with power head and heater.
3rd- remove sand and rinse with tank water so you don't kill bacteria.
put sand in tank, arrange rock work and use water from old tank, put in live stock.
actually first make salt water. you can make it in the new tank, but when you put the sand in it clouds up making it difficult to arrange rock. GL

 

[oh207]

Good advice here. I'm tagging along to learn since I'm about to move from a 60g to a 120g.

 

[piranhapat]

I would start making new saltwater in the new tank if you can. Only make about 45 gal. Be great if you can do this 2 days before the move. If using sand I would buy one 20lbs live sand. Start running heater and run a pump if you have extra one. I would use about 4lbs of old sand without rinsing and mix it with new sand. But only do that if you buy regular sand not live sand. Than when ready to do the move take out 30 gals of your old water and add any LR to new tank.Than just place your fish right in your new tank. Make sure temperature is same. Make sure salinity matches your new mix. Your fish and your new tank might not even go through a big cycle at all. Especially if you have mature cure LR. Good luck enjoy the upgrade. Nothing to worry about.

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

With advice up top, I would try a fresh water rinse then a tank water rinse to gain back some beneficial bacteria for the sand.

 

[Manolo_AP]

Thanks guys! My main concern is the sand. I think I'm going to buy two bags of new sand. And use only a quarter of my old sand after rinsing in tank water. I'm afraid of the nasties in the sand. Its two years old without much disturbing as side from my burrowing wrasse.
Also I'm nervous about my coral. I Dont plan on removing them from the rock. I'd die if I break off some pieces accidentally.