mad921
Well-known member
I'm upgrading to a larger tank and am trying to figure out the best way to do it. Fortunately, a fellow member here has been kind enough to let me have some live rock and sand from his system so there won't be any issues with having to cure anything...just the logistics of it all to deal with.
After a lot of formulation my thinking is that I should set up the new system with the water, new sand, and new rock, then break down my current tank placing all of the rock and livestock in tubs (with pumps and heaters of course). At that point I could move my sand over, give everything time to settle, then set my rock back up and move the livestock in.
It seems pretty simple as I type it out, but I really don't expect it to be. Things I see as potential issues are water chemistry between the old tank, the tubs, and the new tank, the length of time it might take for my sand to settle once I add it to the new tank, and any "junk" that might be stirred up in the process of transferring the sand. I believe I have the water chemistry issue covered owing to the fact that I've been using Catalina NSW (which varies only slightly from batch to batch). The extent of the later issues are kind of concerning to me though.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. I suppose an initial question should be directed towards whether or not my plan is sound to begin with or if I should go about it another way. Aside from that input on how to deal with the other issues I mentioned as well as any I haven't come up with would be really helpful.
Thanks so much!
After a lot of formulation my thinking is that I should set up the new system with the water, new sand, and new rock, then break down my current tank placing all of the rock and livestock in tubs (with pumps and heaters of course). At that point I could move my sand over, give everything time to settle, then set my rock back up and move the livestock in.
It seems pretty simple as I type it out, but I really don't expect it to be. Things I see as potential issues are water chemistry between the old tank, the tubs, and the new tank, the length of time it might take for my sand to settle once I add it to the new tank, and any "junk" that might be stirred up in the process of transferring the sand. I believe I have the water chemistry issue covered owing to the fact that I've been using Catalina NSW (which varies only slightly from batch to batch). The extent of the later issues are kind of concerning to me though.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. I suppose an initial question should be directed towards whether or not my plan is sound to begin with or if I should go about it another way. Aside from that input on how to deal with the other issues I mentioned as well as any I haven't come up with would be really helpful.
Thanks so much!