CatsandClowns
Active Member
I’m preparing to upgrade from my current 15-gallon reef tank (which has been running for a few months) to a 38-gallon setup. I’m planning to reuse a large portion, if not all, of my sand from the old tank despite common advice against it, and I suspect that caution mostly applies to established deep sand beds or much older tanks.
Right now, I have about 18 pounds of manmade dry rock soaking in a bucket with water from my current tank (not sure if that was the most effective approach). I also have roughly 9 pounds of live rock already in the 15-gallon tank that provides biological filtration along with the sand.
My main goal is to transfer all inhabitants and set up in one day, if possible. I’d love advice on how best to prepare for this to minimize the risk of ammonia spikes or other water quality issues. Should I be saving water from water changes ahead of time and oxygenating it to use during the transfer? I know temperature and salinity matching is important, but beyond that, what are the key considerations?
Additionally, I’m weighing whether to rely mostly on the existing live rock and sand for filtration or if it would be better to let the new tank cycle longer with a smaller amount of live rock, some sand, a seeded sponge filter, and bacterial supplements before adding livestock.
Any input on your experience with moving from a small to medium nano reef quickly and safely, or tips for managing biological load, cycling, and water chemistry during a same-day transfer, would be hugely appreciated!
Right now, I have about 18 pounds of manmade dry rock soaking in a bucket with water from my current tank (not sure if that was the most effective approach). I also have roughly 9 pounds of live rock already in the 15-gallon tank that provides biological filtration along with the sand.
My main goal is to transfer all inhabitants and set up in one day, if possible. I’d love advice on how best to prepare for this to minimize the risk of ammonia spikes or other water quality issues. Should I be saving water from water changes ahead of time and oxygenating it to use during the transfer? I know temperature and salinity matching is important, but beyond that, what are the key considerations?
Additionally, I’m weighing whether to rely mostly on the existing live rock and sand for filtration or if it would be better to let the new tank cycle longer with a smaller amount of live rock, some sand, a seeded sponge filter, and bacterial supplements before adding livestock.
Any input on your experience with moving from a small to medium nano reef quickly and safely, or tips for managing biological load, cycling, and water chemistry during a same-day transfer, would be hugely appreciated!
