Tank Upgrade

JLP82 · 2026-10-04T19:59:23-0400

My wife and came across a good deal on a 230 gallon custom tank and stand for $800. The person we bought it from was converting over to a fresh water system and was getting rid of his reef tanks. We cleaned it up sanded and put a fresh coat of paint. Completed the nitrogen cycle with live sand and only 9lbs of dry rock, 4 4”x 4” x 1” media bricks and 3 3” media balls, 800watts of heating elements to maintain 83° through out the process , no socks no skim just a return pump in a 20gallon tank as a temporary sump. Slowly transferred rock from our 120 gallon tank, ammonia dosed and monitored parameters over the course of a week. Stress tested system again after adding existing rock work. We just moved everyone over 3 days ago and everything is looking great.

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ChrisfromBrick · 2026-10-04T20:01:35-0400

can i ask why you are keeping it at 83?

swanedog · 2026-10-04T20:10:57-0400

Nice tank!

JLP82 · 2026-10-04T20:34:01-0400

ChrisfromBrick said:
can i ask why you are keeping it at 83?

During the fish less nitrogen cycle 83°F to 85°F will accelerate the bacterias metabolism and speed up the cycling process.

At least that’s what I found through research.

Took 18 days, passed multiple stress tests. Ammonia dosed 2ppm, ammonia converted to nitrites then into nitrate in less than 24hrs.

After stress testing system I then lowered temp to 78°, stress tested again everything converted at the same rate/time.

Then validated that all parameters matched the 120 system exactly, and then transferred livestock.