New build, do I bring it all over....algaes and all

[Chicagoreef2016]

Need advice. Tank has been up and running for 2 years. Going bigger. Have pretty much all LPS, RBTA, some encrusting monti's that will make it over. Nuked my SPS frags recently to a ALK spike. Rocks have a little bubble algae, but tons of sponges, coralline, etc. But I just found my 2nd aiptasia, after a 6 month period of having none.

So, cycling some rocks now, do I scrap all the existing rock and start over with all new rock, so I don't bring bubble, aiptasia, etc? I feel bad leaving all of that good bacteria behind....

What does everyone think?

 

[ramseynb]

That's a tough one. When you say cycling rocks, is it new dry rock or new LR? If it's LR, I'd definitely use that, if not, then it's a toss up. Maybe use the new rock initially and slowly QT the old rock and move it over? It'd be a shame to start a new build with bubble algae and aiptasia!

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

That's a tough one. When you say cycling rocks, is it new dry rock or new LR? If it's LR, I'd definitely use that, if not, then it's a toss up. Maybe use the new rock initially and slowly QT the old rock and move it over? It'd be a shame to start a new build with bubble algae and aiptasia!

I am cycling new dry reef saver rock, so nothing on it, just seeding it with bacteria as I need more rock for the bigger tank. Also, some of my existing rocks have zoas that have done so well they are starting to dominate the rocks they are on, and I have pretty much decided I don't want zoas anywhere near my main rock structures in my new tank. So some of my existing rocks will probably not make it regardless.

 

[Bpb]

Bringing over those corals will likely bring over spores from whatever pests you're hoping to eradicate, and the brand new rocks will be a ripe new place for them to colonize. I'd either sell the new rocks. Or sell the corals. I'm in the same boat. I've decided to sell my corals completely. Put fish in quarantine. And when I upgrade do completely new rock and not move over a single drop of water from the existing tank. Even a cup of sump water can likely contain aiptasia and bubble algae spores


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[Johnnybgood74]

Need advice. Tank has been up and running for 2 years. Going bigger. Have pretty much all LPS, RBTA, some encrusting monti's that will make it over. Nuked my SPS frags recently to a ALK spike. Rocks have a little bubble algae, but tons of sponges, coralline, etc. But I just found my 2nd aiptasia, after a 6 month period of having none.

So, cycling some rocks now, do I scrap all the existing rock and start over with all new rock, so I don't bring bubble, aiptasia, etc? I feel bad leaving all of that good bacteria behind....

What does everyone think?

I'd get a copper band butterfly fish and something that eats bubble algae I think emerald crabs....my guess is even with new rock eventually you're going to have something pop up somewhere sometime swapping tanks you're going to have a cycle regardless might as well put all that bacteria to use...I'd also take a clean razor and scrape as much of the algae off during the xfer....just my 2 cents...

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