Tank transfer question

[bprice]

In a couple of weeks, I will be moving my two reef tanks into a 240 gallon. I currently have a 125G overflowing into a 120G. Both tanks have over 1/2 DSB on the bottom. I have to take down the 125 to get it out of the way for the 240 and I am concerned with what effect the disturbance to the DSB will have on the overall system as I switch-over. Does anyone have any experience or advice on how I should proceed? Should I totally clean the crushed coral/aragonite sand before I transfer it into the new tank?
Thanks!

Bruce

 

[capncapo]

It is generally recommended that you keep only the top 1/2" of sand and discard the rest.

 

[breutus]

I agree only keep some of the sand for seeding the new tank, after the transfer is done you can wash the old sand really good and then put it in the new tank slowly.

I have done two tanks this way with no issues. but both time i let the new tank set in the room with water sand and a few pieces of rock for a couple of weeks to let it cycle and then switched everything over and slide the new tank into place( I had the good sliders underneath it it worked well for my 72 gallon but I don't know about a 240!

Lucas

 

[bprice]

Thanks. My DSB's are only a few months old, so I was thinking of cleaning the sand really well and adding it back in slowly. I will be able to slide the 120G over a little and keep it going as long as I need to.
Also, I have lots of live rock and several bags of ceramic beads that I've been keeping in the sump.

Bruce