Seeking advice for tank transfer

[blueoverbrown]

I've had my used 55 gallon long tank set up for over a year now. Everything seems to be going great but I can see areas where the silicone has been partially scraped away and I'm planning on getting a bigger tank. I'm looking at both the innovative marine 200 gallon and the water box 230.

I'm trying to sort out in my head how this tank transfer will work. Obviously I need to cycle it before transferring the fish but I have acros that probably will not tolerate much instability.

I guess my question is, what should my timeline look like? Let it cycle, then move the fish, then give it a couple of months for parameter stability and then move over the coral?

 

[UncommonSense]

I've had my used 55 gallon long tank set up for over a year now. Everything seems to be going great but I can see areas where the silicone has been partially scraped away and I'm planning on getting a bigger tank. I'm looking at both the innovative marine 200 gallon and the water box 230.

I'm trying to sort out in my head how this tank transfer will work. Obviously I need to cycle it before transferring the fish but I have acros that probably will not tolerate much instability.

I guess my question is, what should my timeline look like? Let it cycle, then move the fish, then give it a couple of months for parameter stability and then move over the coral?

You’re on the right track, though there are several points which can be expedited to cut down transfer time!

For example:

— you can seed new rock now in your sump, and transfer that to the new tank as soon as it’s got heat, flow, and correct salinity, effectively skipping cycling!

— Any new dry rock to fill in the bigger tank can be “bin cured”, in a bin or brute full of saltwater, to prep it to go straight in the new tank!

Basically, you can get a head start on the new tank before it even arrives!

 

[BryanM]

This issue is also dependent on whether or not the new tank has its own new space, or is it going where the old tank is.

If its going where the old tank is things get much more complicated. If it is in a new space you're in great shape.

Either way, new salt + live rock from current system = almost instant cycle / mini cycle, and you can start moving livestock pretty quickly, which is what I'd do.

Both tanks are solid choices as well, I have a 230.6 myself.

 

[blueoverbrown]

I've had my used 55 gallon long tank set up for over a year now. Everything seems to be going great but I can see areas where the silicone has been partially scraped away and I'm planning on getting a bigger tank. I'm looking at both the innovative marine 200 gallon and the water box 230.

I'm trying to sort out in my head how this tank transfer will work. Obviously I need to cycle it before transferring the fish but I have acros that probably will not tolerate much instability.

I guess my question is, what should my timeline look like? Let it cycle, then move the fish, then give it a couple of months for parameter stability and then move over the coral?

You’re on the right track, though there are several points which can be expedited to cut down transfer time!

For example:

— you can seed new rock now in your sump, and transfer that to the new tank as soon as it’s got heat, flow, and correct salinity, effectively skipping cycling!

— Any new dry rock to fill in the bigger tank can be “bin cured”, in a bin or brute full of saltwater, to prep it to go straight in the new tank!

Basically, you can get a head start on the new tank before it even arrives!

Ill definitely be doing those things, thanks!

 

[blueoverbrown]

This issue is also dependent on whether or not the new tank has its own new space, or is it going where the old tank is.

If its going where the old tank is things get much more complicated. If it is in a new space you're in great shape.

Either way, new salt + live rock from current system = almost instant cycle / mini cycle, and you can start moving livestock pretty quickly, which is what I'd do.

Both tanks are solid choices as well, I have a 230.6 myself.

Luckily it's more moving to a new spot so that will simplify things significantly.

I think I'm leaning toward the water box partially because of the sump layout. I don't think the innovative marine sump will have room for a roller mat.

 

[Uncle99]

It’s a direct transfer as your old rock permits instant cycle. Rise sand clean.

Rock, Corals, then sand, then water to match temp.

Then fish in three to four groups if applicable.
-clowns and rock dwellers day 1
-anything other than tangs, least agressive day 2
-anything other than tangs, more agreesive, day 2 night
-your tang group last.

At the end of the day it’s just more water volume, not increased bio-load.

Done

 

[BryanM]

Luckily it's more moving to a new spot so that will simplify things significantly.

I think I'm leaning toward the water box partially because of the sump layout. I don't think the innovative marine sump will have room for a roller mat.

I don't run a rollermat, but I do love the 230.6.

 

[blueoverbrown]

It’s a direct transfer as your old rock permits instant cycle. Rise sand clean.

Rock, Corals, then sand, then water to match temp.

Then fish in three to four groups if applicable.
-clowns and rock dwellers day 1
-anything other than tangs, least agressive day 2
-anything other than tangs, more agreesive, day 2 night
-your tang group last.

At the end of the day it’s just more water volume, not increased bio-load.

Done

Would you suggest reusing the water?

 

[Uncle99]

Would you suggest reusing the water?

Nope….new water as you need the old to keep stuff before transfer which is done over a few days.

You can use it if you like, won’t hurt.

Water contains very very little bacteria, so no loss.