upgrading to larger tank need some advice

[obanarama]

I'm soooo watching how you get this done because the similarities to what I'm about to do are a bit uncanny. We (its an office tank) currently have a 75G tank that's been running for just over a year. After a bumpy start it's now doing really well. I ordered a 180g Planet Aquarium (72x24x25) a couple of weeks ago which should be delivered in another two or three weeks. And just like you we have to do a hot-swap because the only place the 180g will fit is right in the same spot as the existing 75g. Stressful! So please do keep updating this thread as we're hoping to learn from what you do!

 

[vlangel]

Thanks for the write up and pics.....however, I am going from a 75g display (20g sump) to a 180g display and (60g sump) so a HUGE jump. I really am worried about a small cycle that will harm my fish and corals...BUT I think, I'll make up two 50 gallon brute cans of new saltwater ready and waiting in my garage, and then with my 75g approx. of old water, I should be able to make the transition over fairly quickly into the new tank. I plan on just filling the 180g with sand, old and new rock, and old and new water, and getting livestock back in, on day one...and then getting plumbing and sump connected below it on day 2, so the sump won't be running until late day 2. I'll just have my heater, and a HOB filter and a couple powerheads running on the 180g until I get the sump running. That's my plan I think.

You are gonna be fine. Your plan is a good one. If you are are worried about a mini cycle, just make more new saltwater after you get your new tank set up and running and dilute ammonia with new salt water and add bottled bacteria to speed up the mini cycle. I would be shocked if you do have a mini cycle that it would last more than 2 weeks or so.

 

[reefmaster70]

I'm soooo watching how you get this done because the similarities to what I'm about to do are a bit uncanny. We (its an office tank) currently have a 75G tank that's been running for just over a year. After a bumpy start it's now doing really well. I ordered a 180g Planet Aquarium (72x24x25) a couple of weeks ago which should be delivered in another two or three weeks. And just like you we have to do a hot-swap because the only place the 180g will fit is right in the same spot as the existing 75g. Stressful! So please do keep updating this thread as we're hoping to learn from what you do!

You may be watching a while. Right now the 180g, all parts, plumbing, sump and stand are sitting on my garage. I like to take things SLOW and Methodical. I'll be planning out my rockscape inside the tank, until I am happy..that itself could take me 2-3 weeks..because I have to take into account my current aquascape in my 75g that I planned out, GLUED together, and then placed into the 75g..so i will need to "incorporate" that scape "visually" without actually placing it into the new 180 with the new rock. So that's first, and then. I am going to get the sump under the tank, and lay out all of my plumbing and quick connect fittings and valves underneath and dry fit everything. Again..this may take me a week or so. I am HOPING to place my new 180 in place and make the swap some time in April or May.

So.......if you beat me to it, please post your process and pics as you go! :)

 

[JTP424]

You may be watching a while. Right now the 180g, all parts, plumbing, sump and stand are sitting on my garage. I like to take things SLOW and Methodical. I'll be planning out my rockscape inside the tank, until I am happy..that itself could take me 2-3 weeks..because I have to take into account my current aquascape in my 75g that I planned out, GLUED together, and then placed into the 75g..so i will need to "incorporate" that scape "visually" without actually placing it into the new 180 with the new rock. So that's first, and then. I am going to get the sump under the tank, and lay out all of my plumbing and quick connect fittings and valves underneath and dry fit everything. Again..this may take me a week or so. I am HOPING to place my new 180 in place and make the swap some time in April or May.

So.......if you beat me to it, please post your process and pics as you go! :)

And now we play the waiting game....

 

[Sneep]

I think I'll use some of the old sand as well. Not all of it, but maybe a thin layer into the bottom of the new tank before the new sand goes on top?? I am not a fan of deep sand beds, and both of my current tanks have maybe an inch to 1.5 inches of sand only.

I like what Vlangel said about putting the new sand on the bottom so you can clean the old stuff. I can see a pretty stark line on my tank where the old sand meets the new, but I think I can clean that up when I do a water change this weekend.

I look forward to seeing the new tank!

 

[obanarama]

You may be watching a while. Right now the 180g, all parts, plumbing, sump and stand are sitting on my garage. I like to take things SLOW and Methodical. I'll be planning out my rockscape inside the tank, until I am happy..that itself could take me 2-3 weeks..because I have to take into account my current aquascape in my 75g that I planned out, GLUED together, and then placed into the 75g..so i will need to "incorporate" that scape "visually" without actually placing it into the new 180 with the new rock. So that's first, and then. I am going to get the sump under the tank, and lay out all of my plumbing and quick connect fittings and valves underneath and dry fit everything. Again..this may take me a week or so. I am HOPING to place my new 180 in place and make the swap some time in April or May.

So.......if you beat me to it, please post your process and pics as you go! :)

Ahhh! Yes, we're definitely going to beat you to it. There's nowhere to store our new 180g, so when it arrives, we go! So I'd wager that this happens in mid-December. If you don't mind me hijacking your thread I'll update it here with plans, photos, and maybe even a timelapse video since the business is a webcam hosting provider after all.

 

[reefmaster70]

Ahhh! Yes, we're definitely going to beat you to it. There's nowhere to store our new 180g, so when it arrives, we go! So I'd wager that this happens in mid-December. If you don't mind me hijacking your thread I'll update it here with plans, photos, and maybe even a timelapse video since the business is a webcam hosting provider after all.

works for me.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

I did something similar last weekend (though a smaller tank). I think you'll be fine. I had zero detectable ammonia and immediately had nitrate readings. I DID use tampa bay live sand which may have helped but i didnt use any of my old sand and just put the rock in the new tank. The rectangular homedepot containers are perfect for storing pre made water. I also used a bottle of fritz turbo in the new tank just for an extra layer of comfort, though it may have done nothing. I too saved the old water, though I dont think that was necessary except to not have to make new water. I also had my skimmer slime providing a nice colony of bacteria as well.

 

[Uncle99]

I just removed 2/3 water, and slid it it to the right, then put in the 180. I put back the 2/3 water in the 65g.

Day 2
I added new sand, new water, heated and adjusted salinity and Alk to match.

Day 3
All the rock and corals at once.

Day 4
The least agressive group of friends.

Day 5
The clowns and rock dwellers and wrasses.

Day 6
The tang Gand, all at once.

 

[reefmaster70]

So let's talk substrate. I'm not sold on new live sand. Was thinking about using Reborn or other calcium reactor media as substrate. Any thoughts??

 

[obanarama]

I just removed 2/3 water, and slid it it to the right, then put in the 180. I put back the 2/3 water in the 65g.

Day 2
I added new sand, new water, heated and adjusted salinity and Alk to match.

Day 3
All the rock and corals at once.

Day 4
The least agressive group of friends.

Day 5
The clowns and rock dwellers and wrasses.

Day 6
The tang Gand, all at once.

This is the way, if we could move our tank. But our 75g is an 18 year aqueon on an equally old el cheapo partical board stand on a carpet. We’ve all agreed that if we move it an inch it’s all coming down. So hot swap it is for us.

 

[reefmaster70]

This is the way, if we could move our tank. But our 75g is an 18 year aqueon on an equally old el cheapo partical board stand on a carpet. We’ve all agreed that if we move it an inch it’s all coming down. So hot swap it is for us.

Yeah, I am lucky that way...my 75g..which I'll still mostly empty before moving is currently sitting on LVP flooring, and I can move our entire kitchen island by myself by pushing it on this floor. So the tank should slide fairly easily too. I also built the stand that the 75g is on and it's built like a brick $h!thouse. :)

 

[MegabiteOG]

I just did the about a month and half ago with great success. Like you, I had to move the old tank as that's where my new tank was going. Just about all I've read here will work, but here's what worked for me. I was moving from a 90 into a 180 gallon.

1. Moved everything (rock, corals, and livestock) to holding tank minus the sand. I've reused old sand before and brought problem with it. Consider putting it in the most convenient place possible to transport stuff into the new tank. Holding tank for me was an old tank I had decommissioned. Something like the stock tank mentioned here would work just as well. Also moving your live stock to a somewhat sustainable holding tank gives you time to properly set up your tank incase something goes wrong.

2. I set new tank in place and started filling and getting plumbing together. Filled it with 100% new water. I put 80lbs of rinsed special grade dry sand, 80lbs live sand from gulfliverock, and 80lbs if live rock from the same place. I also moved a bunch of rock from the old tank to the sump of the new one.

3. Next morning I exchanged 30 gallons of water from the old tank to the new. Just pulled same amount of water from each and threw it in each of the tanks. Checked phos, nitrates, and ammonia that afternoon and everything was good. Zero ammonia and already had phos and nitrates.

4. Moved all occupants from old tank to new. Rock first to setup the scape then corals. Afterwards, I took a bunch of water out of the old tank to make it easier to capture the fish and put them in the new tank. I also checked a few parameters before moving stuff but most importantly that temp and salinity matched up.

This worked for me extremely well and my corals and fish are in great health. Never even got an ugly stage. The new tank is on day 44 today. There are a few more details and pictures on my build thread.

Good luck with the move!

Exchanging water from tank to tank.

New sand, new rock, new water in place with provisionary plumbing done circulating water with old rock in sump.

Tanks as of 9 days ago.

 

[reefmaster70]

I just did the about a month and half ago with great success. Like you, I had to move the old tank as that's where my new tank was going. Just about all I've read here will work, but here's what worked for me. I was moving from a 90 into a 180 gallon.

1. Moved everything (rock, corals, and livestock) to holding tank minus the sand. I've reused old sand before and brought problem with it. Consider putting it in the most convenient place possible to transport stuff into the new tank. Holding tank for me was an old tank I had decommissioned. Something like the stock tank mentioned here would work just as well. Also moving your live stock to a somewhat sustainable holding tank gives you time to properly set up your tank incase something goes wrong.

2. I set new tank in place and started filling and getting plumbing together. Filled it with 100% new water. I put 80lbs of rinsed special grade dry sand, 80lbs live sand from gulfliverock, and 80lbs if live rock from the same place. I also moved a bunch of rock from the old tank to the sump of the new one.

3. Next morning I exchanged 30 gallons of water from the old tank to the new. Just pulled same amount of water from each and threw it in each of the tanks. Checked phos, nitrates, and ammonia that afternoon and everything was good. Zero ammonia and already had phos and nitrates.

4. Moved all occupants from old tank to new. Rock first to setup the scape then corals. Afterwards, I took a bunch of water out of the old tank to make it easier to capture the fish and put them in the new tank. I also checked a few parameters before moving stuff but most importantly that temp and salinity matched up.

This worked for me extremely well and my corals and fish are in great health. Never even got an ugly stage. The new tank is on day 44 today. There are a few more details and pictures on my build thread.

Good luck with the move!

Exchanging water from tank to tank.

New sand, new rock, new water in place with provisionary plumbing done circulating water with old rock in sump.

Tanks as of 9 days ago.

I guess instead of using various buckets and totes, I DO have a new AGA 60 gallon tank that WILL become the new sump for the 180g tank..I can use that 60g tank as my "holding" tank for everything I am taking out of my 75g tank including the liverock, corals and fish and some water from the old system. Since I'll be setting up the 180g display first and getting everything into it and wet and running first, I'd have time to then set the 60g under the tank after that and get it plumbed in as the sump. I think that would work good.

 

[vlangel]

I guess instead of using various buckets and totes, I DO have a new AGA 60 gallon tank that WILL become the new sump for the 180g tank..I can use that 60g tank as my "holding" tank for everything I am taking out of my 75g tank including the liverock, corals and fish and some water from the old system. Since I'll be setting up the 180g display first and getting everything into it and wet and running first, I'd have time to then set the 60g under the tank after that and get it plumbed in as the sump. I think that would work good.

Just make sure that the 60g fits under after the 180 is on its stand.
I wanted a 20g high under my 75g but I had to put it in the stand before the 75g was on the stand because it would not fit through the doors no matter how I tried to maneuver it. And even though I knew that when transfer day came, I almost forgot! LOL

 

[obanarama]

So let's talk substrate. I'm not sold on new live sand. Was thinking about using Reborn or other calcium reactor media as substrate. Any thoughts??

We're just going to go with 160 pounds of Caribsea Arag-Alive Reef Sand in the 180g. That worked for us on the 75g, with about a 1.5" to 2" sandbed, that we vacuum weekly, and figure it might help avoid some new tank issues on the 180g. I do feel like having more bacteria at startup might help us avoid potential new tank issues. And since we're on a short timeline the no-rinse part of live sand is very appealing.

 

[obanarama]

I just did the about a month and half ago with great success. Like you, I had to move the old tank as that's where my new tank was going. Just about all I've read here will work, but here's what worked for me. I was moving from a 90 into a 180 gallon.

1. Moved everything (rock, corals, and livestock) to holding tank minus the sand. I've reused old sand before and brought problem with it. Consider putting it in the most convenient place possible to transport stuff into the new tank. Holding tank for me was an old tank I had decommissioned. Something like the stock tank mentioned here would work just as well. Also moving your live stock to a somewhat sustainable holding tank gives you time to properly set up your tank incase something goes wrong.

2. I set new tank in place and started filling and getting plumbing together. Filled it with 100% new water. I put 80lbs of rinsed special grade dry sand, 80lbs live sand from gulfliverock, and 80lbs if live rock from the same place. I also moved a bunch of rock from the old tank to the sump of the new one.

3. Next morning I exchanged 30 gallons of water from the old tank to the new. Just pulled same amount of water from each and threw it in each of the tanks. Checked phos, nitrates, and ammonia that afternoon and everything was good. Zero ammonia and already had phos and nitrates.

4. Moved all occupants from old tank to new. Rock first to setup the scape then corals. Afterwards, I took a bunch of water out of the old tank to make it easier to capture the fish and put them in the new tank. I also checked a few parameters before moving stuff but most importantly that temp and salinity matched up.

This worked for me extremely well and my corals and fish are in great health. Never even got an ugly stage. The new tank is on day 44 today. There are a few more details and pictures on my build thread.

Good luck with the move!

Exchanging water from tank to tank.

New sand, new rock, new water in place with provisionary plumbing done circulating water with old rock in sump.

Tanks as of 9 days ago.

This is very helpful, especially the photos. Note to self: Have spring clamps on hand!

Also, that's a beautiful tank.

 

[reefmaster70]

Just make sure that the 60g fits under after the 180 is on its stand.
I wanted a 20g high under my 75g but I had to put it in the stand before the 75g was on the stand because it would not fit through the doors no matter how I tried to maneuver it. And even though I knew that when transfer day came, I almost forgot! LOL

Yes, already did a test fit and the 60g fits easily under the new stand. And the stand not only has doors on front, but at one end too, so sump can slide in from either direction

 

[MegabiteOG]

This is very helpful, especially the photos. Note to self: Have spring clamps on hand!

Also, that's a beautiful tank.

Thank you.

 

[MegabiteOG]

We're just going to go with 160 pounds of Caribsea Arag-Alive Reef Sand in the 180g. That worked for us on the 75g, with about a 1.5" to 2" sandbed, that we vacuum weekly, and figure it might help avoid some new tank issues on the 180g. I do feel like having more bacteria at startup might help us avoid potential new tank issues. And since we're on a short timeline the no-rinse part of live sand is very appealing.

I’ve used the Agra alive sand many times in the past with success doing tank moves. I’ve read a few horror stories about doing that without rinsing, but never had a bad experience. Good luck.