How to keep nutrients stable during tank upgrade?

[ryudo80]

I plan to do a tank upgrade in the near future, going from a 65G AIO to a 150G with a 40G sump. My nutrients level right now is fairly high phosphates at 0.45ppm and 15 ppm nitrates. However, all my corals are happy with this level. I plan to move all my rocks and probably half of the water over and get new sand. I'm concern about the big drop in phosphates and nitrates when transferred to the new tank. Should I slowly lower phosphates prior to the move? Last time I tried to lower phosphates, some of my torch corals died.

 

[Subsea]

Not sure I understand your concern. Your transfer protocol is fine.

 

[get-salty]

I wouldnt consider your phosphate and nitrate are high - it is normal if your coral are all happy.

My opinion here is to go on with the transfer w.e. you are ready. I dont see anything to worry about.

The Transfer itself - the process, the things you need for the transfer ( extra bins are super important. Extra RO and salt on the standby ), and possibly a second hand for support when needed is what you should be planning on.

Good luck and happy reefing.

 

[ryudo80]

My concern is the sudden large drop in phosphates during tank transfer. The last couple of times I tried to use phosguard or GFO to reduce phosphates, things didn't go well and I haven't tried again. Maybe tank transfer with most new salt water will be different.

 

[sixty_reefer]

You may find that by transferring your rock to the new tank, the phosphate may rise not long after.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I agree that a drop in phosphate merely by increasing the water volume will be too small to worry about. You will get release of phosphate from calcium carbonate surfaces that will bring the value back up toward the starting point.

Nitrate will drop, but I doubt its an ongoing concern, nd may be offset (or more) by other issues with the transfer such as stirring up stuff and some deaths of organisms on the rocks.

 

[Beachbilly]

See if LFS has live sand instead of prepackaged. Sometimes new things we add have a saturation period that take up po4 and no3 then leech out later. Other than that; I also agree with Randy, happy reefin.... good luck!!

 

[BryanM]

You will also want to consider adding more rock to the newly, much larger system. I would suggest getting that from Gulf Live Rock.

 

[ryudo80]

I plan to add new sad, larger grains this time since the tank will be acrylic. Hopefully it won't float up line the pink figi sand I currently have.

Yes, I will add new rocks. I am also currently add more rocks in the back compartments of my current AOI tank to help.