tank switch

[thresher9]

I'm getting a new tank whoo hoo! The only thing is I'm not sure if I can just take everything from one tank and plop them into the new. Do I need to cycle the new setup or not? Since the new tank is a smaller one I'm getting a new pump and building new sump that can fit under the tank. Also, unfortunately my protein skimmer finally died and I have to get a new one of those too. So this is going to be a really really new setup. Now if I can't just move everything from one to the other can I just put them in a QT for a few days while everything is starting up?
And two random questions, do corals need to be quarantined and can a yellow tang be in a 20 gallon QT for 2 weeks?

 

[mr llimpid]

1) I would buy new sand not the bagged live sand but the dry sand. Because the bag live sand will give you a cycle.
2) Once new tank is filled and correct temp. I would switch over all your live rock and coral and fish, assuming you are using the same sump or filtration from old tank.
3) Keep old tank running to the final switch over, meaning moving filtration rock and creatures.
4) Corals can be QT if you have prop. lighting on QT or some people just use a coral dip then place in the DT.
5) 20gal is to small for any tang, they are big swimmers a yellow needs a 6' long tank or it will eventually stop eating hid and die.
Good Luck

 

[thresher9]

Ummm I'm going to make a new sump and am getting all new equipment for the most part. Why should I get new sand? The new tank is going where the old one is so I have to drain the old one to move it (It's very heavy ). I have no other place to put it. Also I have a yellow tang and he seems fine in my 65 gallon and it's not 6' long. Will he get bigger? What if the tang was in a 20 gallon for a day or two if I need to let the tank cycle, but he would also have a flame angle in there with him. I also have two clowns, a damsel and some corals, but I also have a 10 gallon somewhere and can put them in that. Everything else in buckets!
You only have to let it cycle if there is new live rock and sand right? or to let new equipment run for a day or two? I've have this rock for maybe seven years, the sand too. Does this mean no cycle time is needed?

 

[mr llimpid]

Quote:
Originally Posted by thresher9 http:///t/395962/tank-switch#post_3526909
Ummm I'm going to make a new sump and am getting all new equipment for the most part. Why should I get new sand? old sand collects a lot of debris, major cycle going to happen and when the dust settles you will be left with about 1/2 in. of it on top of your sand The new tank is going where the old one is so I have to drain the old one to move it (It's very heavy ). I have no other place to put it. If we are still talking sand and if you want to reuse it I would rinse very well first B4 putting back in the tank Also I have a yellow tang and he seems fine in my 65 gallon How long have you had it and how big is it and it's not 6' long. Will he get bigger? Yes in the wild they can go to 8" What if the tang was in a 20 gallon for a day or two if I need to let the tank cycle, but he would also have a flame angle in there with him. I also have two clowns, a damsel and some corals, but I also have a 10 gallon somewhere and can put them in that. Everything else in buckets! I would put the tang and damsel in 20gal, angle and clowns in 10 gal and the coral half in each. Also use your LR in with them. I would what B4 adding them to new tank until all your reading go back to 0, you'll get some type of a cycle. I would have new water mixed up and a bottle of Amqel+ or prime on hand, for the holding tanks.
You only have to let it cycle if there is new live rock and sand right? or to let new equipment run for a day or two? I've have this rock for maybe seven years, the sand too. Does this mean no cycle time is needed? You may get a cycle you may not, if you do it should only take about 10 days or so to go back down to 0.

 

[thresher9]

I'll get new sand
Will all the fish and coral be fine for 10ish days in the little tanks?
I forgot... I also have a coral banned shrimp and he's huge. The biggest thing in my tank. Where should he go? In a bucket or with the fishies?
My tang is about 4 and a half inches and I've had him for 2 years

 

[mr llimpid]

Quote:
Originally Posted by thresher9 http:///t/395962/tank-switch#post_3526914
I'll get new sand
Will all the fish and coral be fine for 10ish days in the little tanks? yes just test ammonia and nitrates
I forgot... I also have a coral banned shrimp and he's huge. I would put him with tangs and damsels , keep your on him.The biggest thing in my tank. Where should he go? In a bucket or with the fishies?
My tang is about 4 and a half inches and I've had him for 2 years he's half grown will need bigger tank real soon.