Downsizing Question

[studogg]

I have sold off most of my stock. I am now ready to downsize from a 135g to a 65g. I am in the process of buying a complete setup with lights, refuge, reefready system, etc.

Question is, are there any pitfalls I should beware of?

The goal is to keep the 135g running and setup the 65g next to it. Then transfer the substrate (live sand), corals, water, fish, etc.

Then remove the remaining water from the 135g. Sell or give away the remaining sand and stuff.

Then sell the tank, stand, hood, lights, etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

 

[Hop]

Only thing I see is that the old sand should be thrown out. Put 1-2 scoops of the old on the new and 86 the rest of the old

 

[studogg]

Any reason why? I was planning on moving the old sand completely and getting rid of the excess. Plus, I have lots of live rock I am moving over.

 

[Hop]

You can release things in the tank better left out. Sometimes it's just an elevated No3 and Po4, but other times it's sulphur something or other which can be fatal for your tank inhabitants

 

[studogg]

What about a recharge kit? Is that a worthwhile venture?

 

[TIMMYE]

I would not use the old sand. It will end up killing off eveything in your new tank within 1-2 months. There is too much build up in the bottom layers and it gets disturbed in the move.

 

[studogg]

What about new sand and just move my live rock?

 

[cristhiam]

That should work, and use couple of cups of your old sand to seed the new, I did the same in my upgrade. I would not recomend the old sand when I pulled mine out it was nasty black at the bottom.

 

[Hop]

That would be fine. I've done that twice

 

[studogg]

I have about 5-6 inches of live sand. What if I scoop the top layer?

 

[cristhiam]

that will work