Question about changing your Display Tank

[Doherty]

Hey Everyone!

In the next month or so I plan to change my display tank, I am currently running a non-reef ready 20 gallon (with a very established sand bed), which I plan to swap to a RR one. I plan to use all the same LR and water, but I will be replacing the substrate.

The question is, do you guys think I will run into any water problems once I make the swap.

Thanks

 

[wrassefan]

I would start collecting the old water doing water changes everyweek and saving the tank water. Always need extra during a move...I think the conventional wisdom is to add only the top inch or 2 of sand since the bottom is full of "stuff". I would rinse the old sand in new saltwater and reuse once the water clears if needed. This should save alot of the bacteria cultured in the sand.

 

[amdphenomx4]

I wouldnt save much old water, just do half old half new. Water sitting will be gross.

 

[Miller]

Matt, I've been there many times before. We went from a 10 to a 20, 20 to a 20RR, 20RR to a 93!

It's not hard at all as long as you plan it all out. I always make sure that when I am doing a move or upgrade that I have PLENTY new mixed up salt water, that all the levels match the tank and it is heated to the temp of the tank.

Make sure you have enough time to make the swap, it can be surprising how long it can take the first time you do it.

IMO/IME replacing the sand 100% is crucial, that's what we have done every move/upgrade. When siphoning the water from the old tank don't try and get it all. During the removing of the rocks and coral you will stir stuff up so the bottom few inches will be fifthly so leave that behind.

If you plan it out and execute your plan you can move with no problems or looses.

 

[Doherty]

I would rinse the old sand in new saltwater and reuse once the water clears if needed. This should save alot of the bacteria cultured in the sand.

I plan to change to a totally different substrate. I have aragonite right now..... I will be going to change to Grey Coast

IMO/IME replacing the sand 100% is crucial, that's what we have done every move/upgrade. When siphoning the water from the old tank don't try and get it all. During the removing of the rocks and coral you will stir stuff up so the bottom few inches will be fifthly so leave that behind.

Thanks for the tips guys!

 

[Ronnie]

Matt, Grey Coast be sure. I have it and removing it slowly going back to white sand If you want to check it out LMK just didn't give the wow effect I was looking for. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

 

[Doherty]

Matt, Grey Coast be sure. I have it and removing it slowly going back to white sand If you want to check it out LMK just didn't give the wow effect I was looking for. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

Yeah, I have heard from a number of people not being happy with the look of the grey coast once they put it in. I have seen a number of setups in person with the grey coast, and love it. Thanks for the offer though Ronnie

I will def post up some pics once I change over my DT