Can I still do the "Rip Clean" tank transfer method?

[Mike from Penna]

I've been following the various threads on here regarding the "rip clean" tank transfer method which involves thorough cleaning of new sand and using existing rock. I added the link below that details this method.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/official-sand-rinse-and-tank-transfer-thread.230281/
I wanted to ask a few questions to determine if I'm still OK to follow this method. I'll provide a quick background and the 2 questions I have:

Background:
I want to transfer the contents of my 80 gallon to a new 150 gallon tank. The 80 gallon tank is 4 years old. The tanks are currently side by side so transferring or needing interim holding containers should not be an issue. I'm also in no hurry. I would prefer taking my time but transfer in a method that avoids the ugly stage as much as possible and is easier on the fish & corals.

Questions:
1) I recently had a bad outbreak of BJD or something similar. Every day I would lose a another Euphyllia. Right or wrong (depending on who I talked to) I did a full in-tank Cipro treatment. This treatment took place about 2 weeks ago and I added MicroBractor7. Would this Cipro treatment be a reason why I cant use the rip clean method and use my existing rocks for the transfer?
2) I have about 50 lbs. of rock in my 80 gallon tank currently. I added 2 bio blocks a few days ago. Is that enough rock for the transfer now that the tank is basically double in size? Should I buy additional live rock from somewhere like KP Aquatics?

As an FYI, I plan to use all new sand and follow the rinsing process.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

 

[twentyleagues]

If you dont have crazy amounts of algae there is no need for the "RIP clean". Just transfer your stuff to the new tank just like starting a tank with live rock. Should be no major issues, possibly corals getting used to new no nutrient water for a bit. As for amount of rock will that look good and fill the tank like you want? Can you envision it? If yes then you are good if not add some. Getting live rock from the ocean you may want to do an observation of it prior to putting it in the display tank. You can get crabs, mantis shrimp, whelks and other hitchhikers that may or may not be good for the tank. I always use new sand not the old stuff its easier and less prone to issues. You can rinse it, carib sea says not to if that is what you are going to use but its very "dusty" and will cloud the tank. Just rinse in a bucket and stir it a few times until it stops clouding the water leaving the bucket. Its not rocket surgery like the rip clean would have you believe.

 

[fish_collector]

Good question Mike from Penna. You “should” be able to transfer your rock to the new tank without any fear of an ugly stage. You can get away with transferring sand too if you rinse it in tank water to remove detritus. You’ll probably need some more sand and rock to fill a 150, I don’t think there’s any harm in adding some more LR all at once, but as twenty leagues has said, monitor it in another tank for a while to make sure you have gotten all of the hitchhikers out first. You can add new clean sand without worry, just mix it in with your old sand, after you’ve rinsed it with tank water. You’ll want as much of your biome as possible to go into the new tank.

Good luck and have fun with your transfer.