tank change

[tattoooedlex]

was wondering if anyone out there has ever changed the tank of the saltwater aquarium.a year ago I was giving a hand me down tank that was very nice but the glass had numerous scratches on it.since then the aquarium has become beautiful the only problem is there are still a lot of scratches and they are deep scratches that can not be buffed out.what I am wondering is is there a safe way to change the aquarium itself and save everything in it the sand and the rock and the livestock.I have two pieces of coral a devils hand and a radioactive dragon eye zoa.livestock wise I only have 5 blue green chromis an African clownfish a clean up crew and a Haitian reef anenome.is this something that can be done without damaging any of the living creatures. thank you for your help

[E Rosewater]

I upgraded from a 155 to a 200 recently. I posted on here about how I did the transfer, I kept everything, I just used less sand. I would consider new sand though depending on how much gunk you think may be in it.

[tattoooedlex]

very helpful thread, thank you. Question though, the livestock went back in the same day? I only ask because every tank I have set u in the past always went through that quick phase where bubbles fill on the inside walls of the glass, however I never did a tank with using pre existing water before. I guess my biggest concern would be my nem. ive kinda grown attached to it and wouldn't want any damage to occur to him, plus my clown would get ****ed at me.

[tattoooedlex]

and a quick question about the sand wouldn't you want to keep as much sand as possible due to whatever good things may be in it like bacteria or some snails that have been living in it.?

[blanden.adam]

The bacteria will regrow on your new sand, and you can fish your snails out of your old sand. But sand can really be a lot more trouble than its worth to try and keep, not to mention the nutrient sink it is. Is it reasonable to reuse sand as long as its relatively clean and from your tank? SURE! Is it worth the huge hassle? Probly not :P

[E Rosewater]

Everything, corals, inverts and fish went back in same day. Water was cloudy, some bubbles that I remember, but I didn't have a good storage solution to let things settle in the DT.

Everything survived and looks good.