Considering getting bigger tank...questions

[gmr7494]

Hey all. I have a 22-gallon tank that I've had for almost a year now. I've got the itch to upgrade to a 40-gallon long (36 x 18 x 12). My question is what are the proper steps for switching over? Can I add the live rock from the previous tank, add more live rock to compensate for additional volume, then begin another cycle?

[75gsalt]

Start with new sand add all your old tank water and the live rock that you have, then slowly add new rock so you don't start a cycle

[mthomp]

I wouldnt worry about adding the water from your old tank, It isnt really helping anything.

[powerkit]

I wouldnt worry about adding the water from your old tank, It isnt really helping anything.

I agree, start with clean water! your old rock and filter media will be the most beneficial. Enjoy having more room!

[gmr7494]

So would it be best to just add new sand, the old live rock, new salt water and slowly add more rocks?

[mthomp]

yeah. But I dont think i would add fish and stuff right away even still. Call me paranoid but i would still suspect some kind of cycle. another thing you can do is add a cup or 2 of your current sand.

[cpl40475]

When you say more live rock are you buying this rock from an already established tank or LFS? If its already established I'd add it all at once. Using new sand with a cup from the sand you already have. MIx the new SW and let it set for 24 hrs mixing and make sure its as close as possible to the old water temp wise.

[Palting]

If you add the old rock to the new tank, but not the fish from the old tank, what's filtering the old tank with the fish in it while you wait?

I would transfer everything except the sand in one step. If you include the water, there will be less need to acclimate the fish since this will be like a 50% water change to them rather than a 100% water change if you left all the old water behind. You will still have the same bioload from the old tank, so, as long as you don't add new live rock or new live anything, the only biofilter capability you will lose is the sand. There may be a small cycle as the old live rock and the new sand make up for it, but it should be pretty small if there is any.

[mthomp]

it would not be much differant then a QT.

[gmr7494]

Thanks for the tips everyone! This is really helpful...

By the way, has anyone here ever ordered from glasscages.com?