I am upgrading my 40 gallon reef to a 125 gallon this winter. Wondering what is the best way to make the move?
a) completely cycle the new tank before moving everything from the old tank.
b) move the fish, old sand, old live rock and old water and then fill the rest of the way with new salt water. Then add additional dry rock over time.
Would option b help reduce the likelihood of new tank nuisance algae? It would basically be 50g old water, 100 g new water, including sump volumes. I could even start with just 50/50 rato and add a little more each day until full.
Also thinking of putting 4 power heads on the back wall hidden by rocks (currently have 1 600 gph on each side). I currently own some koralias: 2 425 nanos, 2 600s and 1 850. Also have 2 jebao dc1200s (about 300 g/hr each) and 2 overflows.
And I have a sca-301 skimmer that is undersized (rated for 65 g) but will work until I increase my fish (currently 1 o clown, 1 bicolor blenny, 1 yellow shrimp goby, and 2 cardinals)
I also have one 165w black box, so will probably just buy 2 more. And maybe build a hanging canopy to hide them.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Scott
a) completely cycle the new tank before moving everything from the old tank.
b) move the fish, old sand, old live rock and old water and then fill the rest of the way with new salt water. Then add additional dry rock over time.
Would option b help reduce the likelihood of new tank nuisance algae? It would basically be 50g old water, 100 g new water, including sump volumes. I could even start with just 50/50 rato and add a little more each day until full.
Also thinking of putting 4 power heads on the back wall hidden by rocks (currently have 1 600 gph on each side). I currently own some koralias: 2 425 nanos, 2 600s and 1 850. Also have 2 jebao dc1200s (about 300 g/hr each) and 2 overflows.
And I have a sca-301 skimmer that is undersized (rated for 65 g) but will work until I increase my fish (currently 1 o clown, 1 bicolor blenny, 1 yellow shrimp goby, and 2 cardinals)
I also have one 165w black box, so will probably just buy 2 more. And maybe build a hanging canopy to hide them.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Scott