Any advice?

[derf9h]

I posted this in the fish section just because my tank is a fowlr, but this section gets much more draw.

Well as some of you might know, my 75 fowlr tank has a leak in it. It's not huge, but nonetheless it is still a leak and I am replacing it with a brand new 75 gallon tank.

My question is how? I will have the new tank ready to set up before I start taking down the other tank.

The tank has about 1-2" of sand in the bottom, approx. 55lbs of live rock, a 3" naso tang, a 3" blue regal, and a damsel.

The fish are new to the tank by 2 weeks.

How can I make this transition as easy/least stressful on the fish as possible. I am making a direct switch here between the tanks, so none of the equipment is moving or anything. Also I think I have an advantage because all of my live rock is connected into three solid pieces with zip-ties and marine putty. This means the formations and aquascaping will be almost identical when I put everything into the new tank.

Another twist in the plan was the idea of going bare-bottom. Putting down some starboard in the new tank and then the live rock with no sand.

I am nervous about this whole thing as I want my fish to live.

If someone has any kind of advice, please make it helpful or warning advice, my ears are open.

Specs:
75 Gallon AGA w/ HOB overflow
160W SO flourescent lighting in hood
29 Gallon Sump
Proclear 150 Skimmer (actually is halfway decent)
Eheim 1262 Return Pump
2 - 150W heaters
Wet/Dry with live rock and Cheato


Thanks


Erick

 

[sruiz]

Many ways, some work for others and some don't . You could have someone hold the fish for you. Or I would go buy a 10 gallon tank. only 10$ keep an eye on them and make sure they are not getting stresed out. make sure you are not putting a big puffer with a little damsel,or half of the damsel might dissapear.
Take the fish out, put the rock in a big plastic storage container with half of your display water, and freshly mixed salt water. Try not to stir up the sand. Drain the water out of the tank, into more plastic storage containers. I would try to use all the water you have in your craked tank. When all you have in your tank is sand, you should be able to take down. Put your new tank on the stand, And start to fill up the new tank with your same water. Either using a container,or better yet hook up a pump with a hose and just place in container, within minutes your display will be full again. Get a plastic bag strong enought to hold sand, and fill it with sand, try to hold it air tight. Slowly place it in your tank, when you reach the bottom use a razor blade to slightly cut the bottom of the bag, this technique has worked for me in reducing the sand going everywhere. If you put the sand in before adding your old water it can be a mess, not to mention you might kill your good bacteria. Hook up to your sump, and top off with fresh salt water that you have been mixing. Good Luck