Tank Transfer

[Bedroomgangsta]

I think my 55DT has sprung a leak. I need to know the pro's and con's of transferring some of my live sand. I think it would be a terrible idea to transfer all of my live sand to a new tank just because of the amount of levels that may spike in doing so. Should I just get new sand and use a scoop or two to add the beneficial bacteria in my tank or should I completely start over with new sand? I want to use the water I have currently in my tank so it doesnt have to cycle again but if I add all new sand wont my tank have to re-cycle again then? Im just irritated and dont want to dump a bunch of money into a new tank and transferring all my corals makes me nervous. I need a new 55 and I dont know the best way to make all this happen. Any help is appreciated!

 

[ezerasurfr]

depending on your livestock, I would place your fish, corals and some of the water in a smaller QT or holding tank first. Then setup the new tank with new sand and seeded sand (a scoop or 2). Use the rest of the water, and finish the fill-up with new water. This will give you a chance to see if a cycle is beginning without jeopardizing your livestock. In a week or 2 you will know if its safe to move them to the new DT.

 

[Paco]

I want to use the water I have currently in my tank so it doesnt have to cycle again

That's not how it works. The bacteria don't live free floating in the water -- they are existent in the biological films that are on everything in your tank: Glass, Rocks, Sand, everything.

Depending on the age of your sand bed you might or might not want to move it. I would use as much as half and then cover it with another half-inch of new sand maybe.