re-aquascape

[reefnewbie83177]

Hi All,
I have a 5 month old 90 gallon + 30 gallon sump that I would like to re-aquascape. I run 1 vortech MP40 and a cheap 1600gph powerhead. I have a JNS SK2 skimmer and all params are perfect. I want to remove a couple of larger rocks that I don't really like and then create two islands. The left side of the tank will not be touched. I want to take the large bridging rock and put it vertical on the right side of the tank and then move some of the remaining rock around the base of the large newly moved large vertical rock.

Just wondering how to safely do this without causing a mini-cycle. My nitrates and ammonia have always been 0 or undetectable.

Thanks,
Ryan

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[reefnewbie83177]

Anyone?

 

[MattyO]

Do you clean your sand bed regularly? Either way I would take a turkey baster and blow off the rocks before a W/C to help clean out what will be floating around when you do move the rocks. If you do it right there shouldnt be a mini cycle.

 

[seapug]

If the tank is only 5 months old and you don't have a deep layer of detritus loaded sand, you won't have much to worry about. Personally, I'd just prepare some water for a 15-20 gallon water change (+ enough to add to make up for the water volume you'll add when the large rocks are removed) and go at it. Just set aside a whole afternoon to do the re-quascape and water change in one fell swoop and you should be fine. If you run carbon, might be a good idea to replace it as well.

 

[Jim.mer]

I like it the way it is, but I don't think it'll cycle at all, If you do take Rock out put them in Salt water if you plan on reusing them.