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View Full Version : Tips for tank upgrade/move?

AnnaCassandra
03/20/2017, 12:53 PM
We are upgrading from a 30gal FOWLR to a 90gal with 20gal sump, the new tank is going in a dif location so we set up the new tank with new sand, mostly dry rock and a few of the live rocks from the old tank (with plans to move the rest over when we tear down the old tank). Now that it is cycled can we just move the livestock over to the new tank? Should I acclimate as I would if I were bringing them from a fish store? Can I move everything at once or a few at a time? We have about a dozen assorted snails, a handful of hermit crabs, two clowns, a purple firefish and a fire shrimp.
tonysi
03/20/2017, 01:02 PM
No need to acclimate if parameters are all the same. I would move a few livestock at a time and monitor your levels just to make sure you have enough bacteria to handle the bioload.
scubadan206
03/20/2017, 02:16 PM
Mix the water as if you were doing a water change, just between the two tanks.
That way you slowly acclimate both tanks to the same parameters. You also get to share the nitrifting bacteria that is free swimming. Be careful of pests on old live rock. Since you're starting with a new tank anything unwanted on the old rock should be soaked in acid. It's not worth saving a little bit of nice stuff, and introducing nasty stuff. Unless it's corals. You didn't say if you have corals stuck to rocks.
AnnaCassandra
03/20/2017, 05:56 PM
Wouldn't soaking the old rock in acid kill all the good stuff too? I mean it makes sense when you are getting live rock from unknown sources, but when it's your own tank?

We've been running the 30 gal for the last 2 years with all the same livestock give or take a few crabs/snails without issue, no corals yet hoping to get into those with the 90 gallon
scubadan206
03/21/2017, 07:01 PM
Do you not have corals? If you are sure that you have no aptaisia or bubble algae then don't worry about it. If you are at all suspect of pests it's better to start fresh.
bobbravo2
03/21/2017, 08:57 PM
No need to acclimate if parameters are all the same. I would move a few livestock at a time and monitor your levels just to make sure you have enough bacteria to handle the bioload.



I would acclimate. I also like the idea of doing a two tank water change. I'm going to do the same thing for my upgrade.