Need help with new tank for blueface

[JGoslee]

To make a long story short I recently had to combine my 2 tanks to make room for some renovation I'm doing in my home. The first tank which was a full blown SPS/LPS 58gal reef was added to my 90gal FOWLR. The 90gal's inhabitants are 1 zebra moray 30", 1 blueface angel 5". I knew I was taking a chance adding coral to a tank that had a blueface angel but I love the fish and I love my coral so I gave it a try. Well after the first few days the angel ate a few aussie acan colonies and a prism favia and has been picking at all the corals.

So my problem is I need to setup a new tank for my blueface. Here's what I have available. 120gal reef ready tank which currently has large cichlids in it. 2 aquaclear 110's HOB filters. Large container in sump that holds bioballs. 25lbs of liverock.

Basically I need some help converting my freshwater tank to saltwater as quickly as possible and I need to move the angel into the new tank as quickly as possible. Any suggestions?

 

[JGoslee]

Here's a pic of the jerk that's causing all the trouble.

 

[ronhjr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13394253#post13394253 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JGoslee
Here's a pic of the jerk that's causing all the trouble.

If you ever want to get rid of him, let me know. I'd love to add him to my 180 gallon FOWLR setup. I live in Delaware County.
Just name a price.

 

[reefergeorge]

I see why you don't want to get rid of him. He is beautiful.

 

[FerrariStradale]

beautiful blue face. do the conversion to the tank and there is this chemical you can add (not much help as I forgot the name of it!) that enables you to add fish the day of the setup. HOWEVER... you cannot get an accurate reading of the tank parameters for a few weeks.

I'll try to find out what it is called.

 

[JGoslee]

Here's what my plan looks like. I'm going to remove the cichlids and the gravel from the 120gal. I'm going to add salt and get the salinity right. I'm going to add new sand and 25lbs of live rock from my sump. I'm going to clean out all the filters then let the tank run for a few days and then add the fish. I don't think there will be a big cycle because of the live rock. I will do 30% water changes twice a week until the tank parameters are good and steady.

Does this sound like a good plan?

 

[cichlid333]

beautiful fish great find congrats

 

[johno4]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13395841#post13395841 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JGoslee
Here's what my plan looks like. I'm going to remove the cichlids and the gravel from the 120gal. I'm going to add salt and get the salinity right. I'm going to add new sand and 25lbs of live rock from my sump. I'm going to clean out all the filters then let the tank run for a few days and then add the fish. I don't think there will be a big cycle because of the live rock. I will do 30% water changes twice a week until the tank parameters are good and steady.

Does this sound like a good plan?

Yes. thats what I would do. I would add the fish once the temp is stable. With cured live rock, only one fish will be fine.

 

[FerrariStradale]

I would replace the water as well. don't just throw salt in there.

 

[Jerry W]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13397768#post13397768 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FerrariStradale
I would replace the water as well. don't just throw salt in there.

Agreed. Your fresh water may harbor pathogens that could harm this sensitive angel. do a complete tear down and build up of the 120. Use well mixed/aerated RO saltwater. Add live rock and substrate from another tank and some filters with cultured media. This will help accelerate the cycle. I wouldn't rush the process and risk this fish. In time, you'll need a larger tank anyway to house it.

 

[phk36]

Why not put in some egg crate to split the tank up , keep the blue face in one third. This way you dont have to go crazy to set this up so fast

 

[FerrariStradale]

with an ornamental fish like that (plus expensive) time should be taken. Don't rush it... but if you do, do it right.

 

[JGoslee]

I have to rush it's eating all my expensive corals!

I'm going to change out 50% of the water. I just setup the tank this past weekend with fresh RO/DI water for the cichlids so the water isn't to bad. The only problem I see is waiting for the filters to re establish bacteria for the saltwater. Hopefully the live rock will be enough for a few weeks.

 

[Eklikewhoa]

Get a 2qt tupperware and make a floating nursery for it to stay in while the other tank works up.

Or clear your sump and put the LR into a bucket with a powerhead and then put the angel in the sump.

 

[phk36]

Try the egg crate join two at the center with plastic zip ties quick fast easy.

 

[Bmgrocks]

why don't you do a water change on your established tank, the 90 gallon, and take out about 45gallons of water

take that 45 gallons of water from your 90, and add it to your drained 120 with all sand, rock ect. and mix the remaining saltwater

almost an instant cycled tank....

 

[FerrariStradale]

that is a good idea

 

[reefergeorge]

Using old water will have very little effect on the cycle. If you use you LR from the sump you will have a very short cycle, but you still may have a spike. Be careful., and take it slow. I would hate to see that beauty die.