changing tanks - needs advice

[alsie]

Finally found another 54gal corner bow tank with predrilled corner overflows and want to switch over and needs some advice.
1) Want to add sand & have a thicker base (go from 4" to 6") Should I put new sand on top or bottom? Should I try and clean sand base when I take out? (do have some diatoms). If I should clean - should I just rinse with RO water or what?
2) Placing LR should I still leave space to clean with magnet or leave room for the family to swim and hide behind? Should I try and LR of sand etc with a soft brush or just leave the way it is?
3) Will do my 10% water change when changing over.
If you would advise I would appreciate it.

 

[adrian]

I would transfer everything as is, then slowly add new sand to your exsisting sandbed, maybe a half inch every week or so, you dont want to suffocate any existing organisms and bacteria. Just mix in the new sand a little. Dont rinse your existing sand! Leave the live rock, place it as you wish, I would leave room for cleaning and create places for fish to retreat. Do you water change a week or so after the transfer, you dont want to do it right away, your tank may go through a short cycle and a water change will only prolong it. HTH

 

[alsie]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question Adrian. Will take your advice. Another question: I have 2 bubble tipped anenomes - should I leave them on LR they have picked (Say put in seperate buckets with tank water) or should I carefully take them off? I tank any one that answers.

 

[adrian]

Leave the anemones on their rock, you could damage them trying to get the off, once you get them into the new tank they will most likely move anyway. HTH