HOW TO UPGRADE TO A LARGER TANK

wax32.com

Things to prepare ahead of time:

• Leak test the new tank!, even if it isn't in the final position and make sure all your gear works.
• Get enough LARGE Rubbermaid/Sterilite containers to hold all of your fish, inverts, corals and rock.
• Make enough brand new saltwater AHEAD OF TIME to fill the new tank. You might need some brand new Rubbermaid trash cans to do this. You can do it in the tank if the new tank isn't going in the same spot as the old one. Try to get the salinity and other parameters close to the water in your old tank, so your fish and corals will have an easier acclimation.
• Get a big water pump (like a Mag 7), connected to a long hose (for draining the old tank and pumping the new water into the new tank).
• Make sure you have some cheap powerheads to move the water in your containers with the fish and corals while you are doing the move.
• I suggest wearing latex gloves in case of fireworms or other stinging critters.

On moving day:

• Drain some water into the containers for your fish, inverts/corals and liverock. I suggest doing each of these in their own containers.
• Get the corals out of the old tank and place them in their Rubbermaid container or buckets, don't forget to use powerheads.
• Next, remove the live rock from your old tank. Make sure no fish or inverts get stuck in it.
• If you have a LOT of rock, leave the big pieces sit out on towels. It won't die. Just make SURE there are no fish and inverts in it.
• Catch your fish and put them in their own container(s). Do the same for your inverts.
• Don't forget to run your fingers through the sand for Nassarius snails if you have them.
• Now stir that sand up some more so that the water that is left in the tank looks NASTY.
• Drain that nasty water onto your lawn or into some buckets for dumping later.
• If your tank is moveable at this point, and the new tank is going where the old one was, go ahead and get it out of the way.
• Get your new tank and stand into place. LEVEL IT! Hook up any and all major equipment besides the lights (you don't want them in the way). Don't turn anything on yet.
• Fill the tank about half full with the brand new water.
• Scoop the sand from the old tank to the new tank. Pour it in carefully to avoid making a huge cloudy mess. It's best to use plastic bags if you REALLY want no mess: put some of the sand in a bag, then put the bag in the tank. Then cut the corner of the bag and let the sand slowly slide out. Repeat as needed.
• If you can see enough, stack your live rock into the new tank.
• Finish filling the tank.
• Make sure your plumbing is good to go and start her up! Run extra carbon, if you can, to help clear the water. Have some Amquel (or something similar) on hand in case your ammonia spikes.
• Once the water is pretty clear and you are sure you don't have ammonia, put the fish/inverts and corals into the new tank. You may have to drain a little water back out of the tank if you have a lot of corals. Voila!

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is my tank going to cycle?

  If you aren't adding any live rock it probably won't. Unless your sand is FILTHY. Make sure to stir your sand in the OLD tank and get rid of the detritus as much as possible, do this by draining the water from the tank while the filth is still suspended from stirring it. Don't add any new live rock right away. New live rock can cause a cycle. When you DO eventually add new live rock, add a little at a time.

• Can I add new live sand?

  Sure. You can add more sand at any time. On top, underneath, mixed with the old. It doesn't matter. If you do add, make sure to pour carefully so you don't cloud the water. If this is DRY sand you want to add then you need to RINSE IT WELL before adding it to the tank!

• Can I add dry base rock right away?

  Yes, this won't cause a cycle. Rinse it well first.

• Should I reuse my old water to keep the new tank from cycling?

  No. Water has nothing at all to do with your cycle. The bacteria involved live in the "live sand" and "live rock" and are a big part of what makes them "live" in the first place.

• Should I drip acclimate my fish to the new water?

  Yes. The water will probably be different enough to justify dripping them.

Any questions? Drop me a line!