New Tank Inbound, Need Recommendations

[azreef729]

I just ordered a new Eshopps Mariner mp100 peninsula tank, I am coming from a JBJ 65g all in one. I am looking for the best option for transferring tanks, they will be in different places of the house, so it is not like this needs to be an urgently done, same day transfer. The 65g currently has about 50-60 pounds of live rock in it, would I be better off fishless cycling the new tank, as a fresh start. Or would it be ok to transfer everything that I’ve got now including new sand and be good to go?

I do imagine im going to need to add some more dry rock in the bigger tank, but my local store does have Fiji live rock so maybe that would be the better option?

 

[JTP424]

Transfer everything. (less sand and water) your tank is basically "precycled"
Then it will just come down to adding more rock, be it live or dry.
I would go piece by piece if dry.

 

[azreef729]

Also looking for recommendations for a DC return pump. This tank is rated for a max of 1250 Gph

 

[BryanM]

If it were me I would set up the new tank, new water, new sand, and transfer the old rock, I'd remove as many corals as I could and just place them in the bottom of the old tank for a few days/a week.

But with your old/mature rock your new tank would be cycled. Visually if it needs more rock, if you can easily afford it go with the Fiji Live rock.

Get the scape done, and then start moving things at any pace you want.

 

[azreef729]

If it were me I would set up the new tank, new water, new sand, and transfer the old rock, I'd remove as many corals as I could and just place them in the bottom of the old tank for a few days/a week.

But with your old/mature rock your new tank would be cycled. Visually if it needs more rock, if you can easily afford it go with the Fiji Live rock.

Get the scape done, and then start moving things at any pace you want.

That sounds like a good idea, so would you move fish too or leave them in the empty tank?

 

[Gumbies R Us]

That sounds like a good idea, so would you move fish too or leave them in the empty tank?

You can transfer fish as well, just slowly do it, so that you don't throw your tank's parameters out of whack.

I agree with the above that I would start with new sand and water, but keep the rock.

 

[BryanM]

That sounds like a good idea, so would you move fish too or leave them in the empty tank?

Using the old rock you're pretty much insta-cycled, you can move things as fast or as slow as you want.

If you're worried, or cautious, you can certainly test (I would) for ammonia and nitrites prior, but fairly sure you'll be pleasantly surprised.

And I would recommend only adding live rock. I added some dry rock once to my live, I will never do that again