Advice Please

[NaCL H2O StL]

I recently found a crack in the bridge of my 46g bowfront. I have decide to upscale a bit and go to a 55g. I have gotten mixed opinions on whether or not I can just transfer everything over to the new tank without a spike in ammonia. Is it safe or not?

I have 2 starfish, 2 clowns, hippo tang as the fishes and mostly mushroom corals along with about 50-65lbs of live rock.

Another opinion was that i could put rock, fish and corals in a sand-less temporary 30g aquarium and wait for the new tank to cycle. could i just circulate this tank with a couple of circulating pumps?

PLEASE HELP.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[sbeason]

I would say you wont have any problems if you dont transfer the sand. Putting them in the 30g temporary will be fine for the short term. If you want to reuse your sand, then make sure you rinse it out to get all the gunk and debris out of it.

-Steve

 

[babybull]

When I got my 150g we reused the sand and most of the water. Emptied it, moved it, and refilled it all in the same day. Did not have any problems. Maybe I was lucky, most people do not recommend reusing the sand. Good luck, Paul

 

[DeniseAndy]

Use as much of the water from your old tank and maybe get new dry sand for the new tank and seed with your current sand. That way you can start new without the ammonia spike. Another option that is cheaper than new live sand.

When I switched over, I seeded my 210 with sand and rock from my 28g so avoided buying too much live sand or rock. Worked great. However, I did have to cycle my new tank. With yours so close in gal, should not be a problem.

JMO that I would want to start with new sand. Prettier

 

[NaCL H2O StL]

My "thanks" to everyone that has replied.
Jim

 

[M3P]

Jim I don't have anything to add as I haven't done this personally and it seems between the two boards you got a lot of helpful advice. My question for you is...how have you avoided the tang police coming after you with that hippo in a 46???