Advice on upgrading tanks and switching over...

[rskillz]

So, looks like I'm staying in Georgia (for now) so I'm going to go ahead and upgrade to the 180g from my 72g. It will be in the same room, just against a different wall.

Any general advice? Tips? I gather that I should save as much water as possible but ditch the sand, saving maybe a cup full.

Just wondering who else has done this and any suggestions are welcome =)

 

[KrisDeitz]

Im sure you know this... Make sure the floor and stuff can handle the weight. Thats a big upgrade from a 72. Something i failed to do when i upgraded.

 

[rskillz]

PFCDeitz;621617 wrote: Im sure you know this... Make sure the floor and stuff can handle the weight. Thats a big upgrade from a 72. Something i failed to do when i upgraded.

This floor sits directly on a concrete slab, so it shouldn't be an issue :thumbs:

 

[KrisDeitz]

Awesome then! I saved most my water. I did go with new sand and that seems to be the better answer. Maybe seed with a cup or two like you said. Just slowly take your time.

 

[jeffmuse]

I am going to be following along on this tread... I want to upgrade from my current 65 up to a 150 later in the year, so I am very interested in hearing about best practices when moving tanks.

I want to know what happens if you add more rock to the larger tank? Does the new rock need to be introduced first so that it can go ahead and cycle?

 

[KrisDeitz]

JeffMuse;621628 wrote: I am going to be following along on this tread... I want to upgrade from my current 65 up to a 150 later in the year, so I am very interested in hearing about best practices when moving tanks.

I want to know what happens if you add more rock to the larger tank? Does the new rock need to be introduced first so that it can go ahead and cycle?

From what i read and learned is that if its a small amount of new rock it should Mini cycle. If its the same amount or more it will Be a normal Cycle.

This is what i READ dont hold me to it

 

[rskillz]

I have my extra rock in a large rubbermaid with a heater and powerheads getting ready for the move. I bought it "live" but I want to make sure it's cured.

 

[dawgface]

Following along, I am also getting ready to upgrade from my 72 to 180 as well... seems we are on roughly on the same phase, rock curing in the garage =)

 

[mvm]

Save as much water as you can and ditch the sand, as you said. Other than that, you should be fine.

 

[texhorns98]

FWIW, I've kept my sand through 4 tank changes, adding some new sand all but twice. You just have to rinse, rinse, and then rinse it again

 

[jennm]

There's no real benefit to saving the water (other than saving water). If your parameters are pristine, I suppose it's OK but if you have any issues (nitrate/phosphate), there is no sense in relocating the problem.

If you can set up the 180 and then just move everything over after it's up and running, should be easy peasy.

Jenn

 

[cr500_af]

My best advice is (from personal experience): Make a realistic estimate of the time it will take. Double it.

 

[texhorns98]

cr500_af;621722 wrote: My best advice is (from personal experience): Make a realistic estimate of the time it will take. Double it.

Then add two hours!!