Got a new Aquaforest Oceanguard for my home office.
I have done a few transfers if done well you should have minimal “cycling”
I may have a post from many years ago on here highlighting my process. I’ll look but it may not have made it through the website transfer.
Be prepared to test for ammonia just in case
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have plenty of large tubs around to put existing rock, coral and fish in
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I do not recommend using the existing sand unless you are prepared to rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear.
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if adding new dry rock do it a few pieces at a time over a few weeks to months span to avoid
Major shifts in parameters -
I start with draining enough water out to put the fish in a separate tub
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Then another tub or tubs for live rock and coral
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the idea is to salvage as much of the existing water as you can without getting the sand stirred up
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once you tubs are full take out the rock and put into their tubs
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then chase the fish around with no obstacles
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once fish are out you can get the sand out and clean it if you choose to use it, this is a potential nutrient bomb so if you don’t clean it it will raise nitrates, phosphates and overwhelm the nitrifying bacteria causing an ammonia spike.
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good to have plenty of salt water made up ahead of time. Start filling the new tank or have this already done and up to temperature.
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put in new sand or clean sand, then rock/coral, then old tank water as long as it is not cloudy, finally fish.
Plan everything out and have extra containers on hand. Take your time and don’t stress over coral and or rock being exposed to air for a little while when you are draining the water. (Lots of coral are exposed for hours during low tide)
I hope this helps
I meant to say, if using all new sand save a couple cups of the existing sand to sprinkle over the new sand once the tank is all back together.
This practice will help the new sand populate with bacteria faster
Thanks Jessica for spreading the word. Donavon, I have new sand for the tank but will be sure to add a cup of the old sand to help seed. The tank isn’t that much larger than my current tank and I’m bringing over all of the rock. Do you think it’s necessary to you any of the old water?