How to move to a new tank

[jw1977]

I think i've decided just to replace my leaking 46 gallon bowfront with the same thing I have. I have no clue on how to move my old stuff over to the new tank. I've read where people say you buckets and totes, but exactly how do you do it. Does a new tank have to cycle or is it okay if you're using the same water? How do you get the sand out? Do you have to acclimate the fish before you put them in the new tank? Please help.

 

[mie]

Step 1. Put tank water in totes for corals, fish rocks, etc..
Step 2. Save as much water as you can in buckets.
Step 3. Put old sand in new tank and move it.
Step 4. Put rocks and water back in.
Step 5. Put fish and corals in.
No acclimation needed. After a few hours maybe do a 5 gallon water change.

 

[jw1977]

Thanks I'll give it a shot.

 

[spanko]

I would not use the sand from the old tank without first rinsing all of it until the rinse water runs clean. Detritus in the sand when stirred up from moving it to the new tank could cause an ammonia spike that your rock is not able to handle. If not comfortable with rinsing sand, purchase new dry sand.
JMO

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/3172105
I would not use the sand from the old tank without first rinsing all of it until the rinse water runs clean. Detritus in the sand when stirred up from moving it to the new tank could cause an ammonia spike that your rock is not able to handle. If not comfortable with rinsing sand, purchase new dry sand.
JMO
+1 I want to also comment on step #3...do not put the sand into the new tank until it is in place. Sand is extremely heavy and could break the seal. I would also acclimate the critters just to be safe...different water temps for one reason.

 

[jw1977]

One thing I'm kind of confused on is how long can coral stay out of water? I don't understand the exactly the process. I assume i'll start by taking half the water out. Then get all the fish out and the live rock. But where do i put the live rock, do i need to put new mixed saltwater to put the live rock before I drain out the rest of the tank water? Does that make sense?

 

[i<3reefs]

I just pulled water into a clean cooler, stuck my corals, and fish in it. Moved everything else, including water in totes/jugs and stuck them back in. Everything worked fine, call me lucky.