Prep for new tank swap

[reeferj]

In the next few days Ill be transfering all livestock and LR into my new setup. Using all the same equipment, same fuge, everything. Im thinking about adding a cryptic zone, but not sure. Only thing new that will be added is sand. Going from 3-4" of sugarfine to .5-1" of reef floor in the new setup. Heres my idea... a few days before the swap I want to fill the new tank about 20-30% with fresh salt water, add the new sand, spike with a few cups of old sand and water, add a few teaspoons of MB7, drop in a powerhead, and let marinate. Over the next couple of days add freash salt water and old tank water until the transfer of livestock is ready. Is this overkill or am I going about this all wrong. The plan is to establish a bacteria base in the new sand to prevent any mini cycles from the new bagged sand, half buried live rock, or stirred up junk being added to the new tank. All comments are welcomed

 

[snowmansnow]

IMO your bacteria base should be carried over in your LR.

I would use as much old water as possible too.. JUST MY OPINION.. just to be safe.

let it sit a week or so then start normal water changes.. provided you don't have anything undesirable in the tank water right now.

B

 

[justindville1987]

that will be fine, if it's crushed coral make sure to wash off the new sand very well before you put it in. your corals may turn browner after a few days. btw how is the power head working for you and the zoas?

 

[reeferj]

Working good, one of polyps LOTR floated away I think. Im tryin to figure out a way to frag that mind trick without stressing it. I fragged you another piece and it bleached a few days later. I think I may just set a frag disk beside it and let it grow up on it and try it that way. But Ill have that jedi for you and one of these strawberry shortcakes whenever its ready also. Just may take some time after the swap.

justindville1987;527526 wrote: that will be fine, if it's crushed coral make sure to wash off the new sand very well before you put it in. your corals may turn browner after a few days. btw how is the power head working for you and the zoas?

 

[reeferj]

THe new tank is gonna be about 25% new water and 75% old. Just wondering if I could "jump start" the new sand.

SnowManSnow;527511 wrote: IMO your bacteria base should be carried over in your LR.

I would use as much old water as possible too.. JUST MY OPINION.. just to be safe.

let it sit a week or so then start normal water changes.. provided you don't have anything undesirable in the tank water right now.

B

 

[snowmansnow]

I guess it couldn't hurt I think time will be your best friend though