Not new, but Upgrading help?

[Creative1]

Hi all,

I am upgrading my 9 gal to 28 gal JBJ Biocube Intermediate series. Should be here in a few days to a week
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...Confirm-_-PRDT

It's not a huge upgrade, but better. I am hoping to fit my 9 gal in the cabinet beneath for more water. I am not sure if it will fit to make a sump for macros and such. I would've loved the advanced, but I can't justify spending $700 on it right now.

I bit the bullet at Drs Foster and Smith website, due to it being on sale, AND you get $10 gift cert. for every $50 spent. So now I have $80 to spend for sand and such needed! I couldn't pass up that deal.

I also ordered a heater, seeing it didn't come with.

"¢ What else do I need for this tank equipment wise? I understand its pretty much a plug and play type of tank, but anything I should get for it?

"¢ How much sand should I get?

"¢ If I use the ~10lbs LR from my existing tank and half the water, can I immediately put my corals, crabs, snails and 2 clowns in the new tank? I expect a mini cycle once I add more rock and the new sand.

"¢ Due to lack of space, I have no idea how I'd have two tanks running while the new cycle. I am hoping to "quick start" it with the existing items from the old tank. any advice here? I am hoping to fit the 9 gal in the cabinet beneath the 28 gal tank for extra water volume and such.

Any other advice? I am new at upgrading, and new at biocube.

my 9 gal is an Ehiem with a filter, heater and Par38 bulb. Low-tech.

Additionally.. is there a NEWBIE guide to drilling and building a sump? I am stumped on this!

 

[thegrun]

You could safely move your existing livestock into the new tank provided you keep the rock wet (Ideally submerged in water) during the transfer, but do not add any additional livestock to the tank until you have more fully cycled rock in the tank. You can cycle the new rock in a separate container like a bucket or ice chest, you just need water movement with a powerhead and a heater for the rock to cycle.

 

[coralsnaked]

Well it really depends on what you are going to keep. But here's one way to get it done. When the new tank arrives place any new rock sand water in tank and cycle it as you normally would. When the cycle is completed and you are ready to do a 20% water change utilize the water from the 9G and add the rock and critters from it. But only a few teaspoons of the old sand and the rest you should toss. I would not want more than ~1.5 " sand total in the tank. Only add ons besides the heater would be a power head to divert and increase flow and if you plan to keep difficult corals a hang on back skimmer. Don't mess w/ the JBJ counter current skimmer as it does not really function all that well. I also would not count on trying to drill that tank to include a sump and why would ya anyway right. You have a pretty nice refugium right on the back. Loved my JBJ's All of them!

 

[Creative1]

thanks for the fast responses, all!

I have a nano hydro pump in my 9 gal, forgot to mention that. I also have a second one, unopened. so that works out.

I was looking at another thread on modifying and adding sump.. too much work!!

I am worried on how to set it up.. i want to put the tank in the exact same spot as my 9 gal tank. Moving it would be difficult! I would have to empty the 9 gal into a bucket. move it, put the 28 there, and set it up.

EDIT:

I want to keep my 2 clowns- I doubt I'll add another fish. Have mainly Zoas and soft corals. I think the lighting will be fine with my coral plan.

I do want to add some shrimp down the line. not sure which ones yet

Edit again:
Since i won't be using my 9 gal as a sump after all.. maybe I'll set it up as a fresh water tank in the bedroom. or sell it. don't know if I can get much for it.

 

[coralsnaked]

Keep the 9 for a QT you never know. Use igloo ice chest to move your 9 G into. Suck water down to 1" above sand line and remove with rock and livestock to igloo. Don't mess with the sand or you will regret it. Move the old out and the new in with dry well washed reef sand ~1+ place yor rock and put in old water and new made up salt water to match old and plug and play. If you want to add new rock it must be in small increments ~ 2-3 lbs at a time and well cycled.