I'm upgrading my "show" tank from a 72 bow w/ a canister to a 210 with a sump
My 72 *seems* to be doing fine, but I'm worried for a few reasons for moving the water, sand and rock over to the 210.
1.) I have a couple flatworm outbreaks. I used Flatworm Exit to help with the problems. All appears well right now.
2.) I get what I think to be too much red slime. I think this is a combination of my diminishing clean-up crew (cc star is about 6.5" and hungry) and source water quality (I do not use RO/DI).
3.) My current live rock has plenty of activity and life, but it seems to have developed some redish carpet-like algae.
4.) I've not used RO/DI and am reluctant to move that water to the new 210.
5.) The two "show" fish seem a bit timid due to their size (mostly the reason for the upgrade) and not having the proper room to swim.
The upgrade is fairly substantial. In addition to the 210, I'm moving to a decent sized sump, an AquaC EV400 skimmer w/Mag 24, a 60 gpd RO/DI system, Solaris 20K LED lighting, a Dolphin 4800SP return and a Dolphin 7500 Amp Master for my future closed loop. All equipment (except the 210 and lighting, of course) will be located in the basement-- thus the larger pumps. I'm using flexible PVC for all piping where appropriate.
Now here's where I need some advice...
Should I start "fresh" in the new tank with all RO/DI and new cured live rock and new sand; or should I move my water, sand, and rock over?
All additional rock will be coming from coralreeffarm.com, which apparently is fully cured with decent shipping practices to avoid die-off.
In either case, I'll be upgrading my 54 to the aforementioned 72, so some investment will need to occur during that process as well.
I'm just looking to accomplish the upgrade in the most efficient manner possible, with minimal stress on my fish.
Any advice will be appreciated.
My 72 *seems* to be doing fine, but I'm worried for a few reasons for moving the water, sand and rock over to the 210.
1.) I have a couple flatworm outbreaks. I used Flatworm Exit to help with the problems. All appears well right now.
2.) I get what I think to be too much red slime. I think this is a combination of my diminishing clean-up crew (cc star is about 6.5" and hungry) and source water quality (I do not use RO/DI).
3.) My current live rock has plenty of activity and life, but it seems to have developed some redish carpet-like algae.
4.) I've not used RO/DI and am reluctant to move that water to the new 210.
5.) The two "show" fish seem a bit timid due to their size (mostly the reason for the upgrade) and not having the proper room to swim.
The upgrade is fairly substantial. In addition to the 210, I'm moving to a decent sized sump, an AquaC EV400 skimmer w/Mag 24, a 60 gpd RO/DI system, Solaris 20K LED lighting, a Dolphin 4800SP return and a Dolphin 7500 Amp Master for my future closed loop. All equipment (except the 210 and lighting, of course) will be located in the basement-- thus the larger pumps. I'm using flexible PVC for all piping where appropriate.
Now here's where I need some advice...
Should I start "fresh" in the new tank with all RO/DI and new cured live rock and new sand; or should I move my water, sand, and rock over?
All additional rock will be coming from coralreeffarm.com, which apparently is fully cured with decent shipping practices to avoid die-off.
In either case, I'll be upgrading my 54 to the aforementioned 72, so some investment will need to occur during that process as well.
I'm just looking to accomplish the upgrade in the most efficient manner possible, with minimal stress on my fish.
Any advice will be appreciated.