Going from 54g to 125g

[Csubseball]

Well, I made the 125g purchase yeserday. I pick up the tank/stand/canopy on Saturday sometime. Now that I'm going bigger I have a few questions. I want to do this correct the first time so I don't make any stupid mistakes.

First ?: I have live sand in my 54g from TBS that I would like to use in the 125. Is there any sand I can buy that is fairly cheap that I can just seed with my current sand? I have read that Home Depot carries some but I can't find the thread anywhere.

Second ?: I have a current sump/refugium but it will not be anywhere near the size I need. Any suggestions on where to purchase a larger size sump/fuge

Third? How much water should I save from the 125g that I'm purchasing? What would be the best way to transport the water to my house?

Sorry for all the questions, but you guys always seem to have some great answers. Im sure there will be more questions to come.
Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[AllenFord_SC]

1) Just go with all new sand. Any play sand from HD will work. There are many arguements about not usng silica based sand so try to avoid it.

2) www.glasscages.com They have cheap acrylic tanks and glass tank that will work great for a fuge. Just add baffles. You can purchase the material from HD to make these. Check out www.melevsreef.com for info on construction. You might even get Marc to build you one if you ask.

3) There really is no need to transfer the water. Throw some existing LR into the new tank, cycle it, and match up your PH, Specific Gravity, Temp, and alll the other parameters. Then add livestock slowly.

Hope this helps!

 

[AllenFord_SC]

P.S. Politly ask Marc if it is okay to use his sump design if you go that route. He is a great help to us all and I'm sure he won't mind.

 

[TekCat]

1) Here is the info about HD sand: All you EVER wanted to know about Southdown

2) You could convert your old tank to be a sump. Just have a hardware store cut glass sheets to be used as dividers/baffles and silicone them in place.

3) I agree with AllenFord_SC: dump the water.

 

[Teremei]

I'm upgrading from a 55 to a 125 too!! So very close. .

Try to find local reefers who might have some southdown. Reefcentral has seperate forums for about every state.

If your new tank is far away from your old tank, don't transfer water. You see I am transfering all my water because I also have to transfer 6 fish so I'll need all of that bacteria in the water.