Moving to new tank - what do you watch?

[toothybugs]

What are the (most) important parameters to watch and which are kind of negligible? I suspect #1 = Alk, #2 = Calcium, #3 = temp/ SG/ flow #4 = nutrients.

I'm on the last stages of moving my collection out of a rack in my 40 and over in to a new 75. I'm nervous about this because I've seen some STN since immediately after taking all my rock out of the 40 and dumping detritus in to the water column. Last night I noticed I've lost a few completely in the last day or so, despite doing my best to avoid upsetting the water quality but possibly related to raising them up for my light and doing a modest water change. Should I expect to lose a few in a tank transfer?

 

[toothybugs]

Anything? Even a confirmation? I kinda feel like I'm taking a huge risk by moving tanks, any suggestions or guidance would be quite appreciated.

 

[tmb22]

I'm no pro at moving tanks, but I have successfully moved my SPS only tank twice without losing any corals. The most stressful trip was from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago.

All I did was setup a holding tank at the new place with just the essentials... RO/DI water, steady temp using a spare controller, strong flow, and 1.026 SG water made entirely as a new batch (didn't transfer any old water). I also didn't use a light on the holding tank. Minimizing the stress is key. No need to hang a light over the holding tank. Having this holding tank gives you plenty of time to set up the actual new tank up correctly and have things running smoothly before making the final transfer.

That being said, corals will still be ****ed off when you transfer them, and sometimes theres nothing you can do to prevent a little STN with a big move. Hopefully those areas will recover and you'll be good to go

 

[Moeshi]

IME it's pH/Alk, SG/Temp, Na/Po, Ca/Mg in that order when trying to move SPS tanks.

 

[Galaxyreef]

You may experience a mini cycle from disturbing the system. Watch your alk and nutrients