Need Tips for Upgrading

[Shep]

I currently have a 20 gallon reef but I want something just a tad larger so I found a 27 gallon marineland cube w/stand for $160. I want to get it but I am not sure what the bet way to move everything over would be. How can I shorten the cycle time so that I can quickly move it all over? I don't have room for two tanks so I need to speed it up if possible. I would be using new dry sand and new dry rock but I have a HoB refugium that I would leave set up, it just has some mud/sand and a .25 lb ball of chaeto. How should I go about this? Thanks!

 

[maxxin69]

Why everything new? You can easily use the old rock and basically avoid cycling the tank altogether.

 

[Shep]

I might use the old rock, but its been glued together. Could I take it out break it apart to and then replace into a new design without killing everything?

 

[maxxin69]

I might use the old rock, but its been glued together. Could I take it out break it apart to and then replace into a new design without killing everything?

Yes. As long as the rock doesn't dry out then all should be fine.

 

[Shep]

good to know, could I still use new sand but old rock to avoid a cycle?

 

[maxxin69]

You probably can, but I would keep an eye on ammonia just in case. I would also seed the new sand with a cup full of the old sand just to kick start it.

 

[Shep]

You probably can, but I would keep an eye on ammonia just in case. I would also seed the new sand with a cup full of the old sand just to kick start it.

Good idea, I just want to change over to black sand I think it looks really nice in reef tanks