Upgrading Tank- Advice Needed

[Arlanda7]

Hi everyone,

I am upgrading my 120litre tank to a larger 250litre. I have been thinking about what would be the best way to do it... if used my current filter media in the new tank then litterally put my existing live rock new sand and fish in the new tank and top up with RO water will this be ok or should I run them both and just starting a new cycle with new live rock and sand etc?

Be great to hear what you think is best and acceptable.

Chris

 

[weezawoo]

If it was me I would make completely fresh saltwater and fill up the new tank. Once its mixed and at temp I would think you could move the LR over without a die off as long as the water is at the same temp and salinity in both tanks there shouldnt be a problem to move it over.
There are a couple journals I think where people have transferred to another tank, would be good to check them out!
Also I think using new sand would be ok, I hear about problems sometimes with moving old sand but someone will be along who knows more than me

 

[seffieuk]

+ Weez

Set up your tank with new water - put your new stock of rock in and cycle :good after cycle has finished transfer your old rock over, add sand and old live stock (not sand)

If you have to get rid of the other tank, put all old stock (except sand) into the new tank, with new water (equal sg etc) and cycle your new rock in a plastic box or the like, with heat and a powerhead.

Easy peasy

Seffie x

 

[Arlanda7]

Thanks guys, should I transfer my filter media into the new filter though or use the new stuff provided?

Chris

 

[woody88]

Thanks guys, should I transfer my filter media into the new filter though or use the new stuff provided?

Chris

New mate. LR is your filter so the only media it should be is things like phos remover/carbon etc. Might as well replace it so everythings fresh.

If it's bioballs, ceramic noodles then chuck them as they only end up becoming nitrate farms.

 

[Arlanda7]

Thanks guys, my lfs says I should put my existing filter media in the new tank, existing water rock and fish etc... But you all think its ok to use the new filter media and new water as long as the rock has all cycled?

Sorry to ask again but I just want to be 100% sure Im doing good and not going to balls things up.

Thanks for your input its much appreciated.

Chris

 

[Uriel]

Do you have an external filter running with ceramic noodles or similar or are you refering to an internal filter like in the juwel tanks.

What sort of media are you running ?

Most people don't run standard internal/external filters with ceramic noobles, sponges ect as these tend to start producing a lot of nitrate. Causing algea issues and can also cause problems for invertabrates and at higher levels your fish.

Most people either

1. Remove filter altogether
2. Use externals for running specialist media like rowa phos, activated carbon ect
3. Replace the filter media with LR rubble to act as filtration.

Transferring media happens a lot in Freshwater tropical aquariums so it's possible your lfs has got it confused ?

 

[Arlanda7]

I currently have an external filter with noodles but this new tank has a back sump like a red sea max for example.

Cheers

Chris

 

[Uriel]

I'd scrap the noodles then and put LR rubble in the back if it was me. You might also be able to fit some cheato or rowaphos or similar in there if you need/fancy it. Hard to suggest without knowing the specifics of the design.

 

[Arlanda7]

Cheers bud... In that case I wont transfer my current noodles into the new tank and use the new noodles provided.

Thanks for your input