upgrading from 10 to 30gal

[805drummer]

I have a question for you pros out there. I have 10gal nano reef that I would like to upgrade to a 30gal. How do I go about transferring my existing stock into my bigger tank?. would I need to do a whole new cycle for my 30 before transferring ? or do I transfer my rocks and sand piece by piece? im kinda lost in this process.

 

[thegrun]

You are safest by first cycling the additional rock you will need for the new tank, either in the new tank or in a separate container like a Brute trash can. Once the new rock has cycled you can safely move your old rock, new rock and sand into the new tank, then transfer the livestock. I would start with new dry sand rather than try to clean your old sand.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

I agree with thegrun. Will you be using your 10 gal for a sump or a QT?

 

[805drummer]

I agree with thegrun. Will you be using your 10 gal for a sump or a QT?

Thanks!! most likely I will try to use it as a sump.

 

[805drummer]

You are safest by first cycling the additional rock you will need for the new tank, either in the new tank or in a separate container like a Brute trash can. Once the new rock has cycled you can safely move your old rock, new rock and sand into the new tank, then transfer the livestock. I would start with new dry sand rather than try to clean your old sand.

thanks for the advice!

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Check out the DIY forum lots of threads on making a sump. FYI you can use a HOB skimmer for a 75 gal on your sump to help with space. I use one on mine and it does great.

 

[805drummer]

Check out the DIY forum lots of threads on making a sump. FYI you can use a HOB skimmer for a 75 gal on your sump to help with space. I use one on mine and it does great.

thank you! will do

 

[mcozad829]

I have a question for you pros out there. I have 10gal nano reef that I would like to upgrade to a 30gal. How do I go about transferring my existing stock into my bigger tank?. would I need to do a whole new cycle for my 30 before transferring ? or do I transfer my rocks and sand piece by piece? im kinda lost in this process.

As far as transferring goes... just get new sand for the 30 old sand really isn't worth using, move the rock over, and don't add anything that wasn't in the 10 for a little bit. Shouldn't cause a new cycle, I have done 2 transfers from a 46 to a 80 and from a 8 to a 30 and neither caused a new cycle. Adding "new to you" rock after the transfer can cause a cycle if there is dead stuff on it. If you add NEW dry rock that hasn't been in a tank it also should not cause a cycle. The key to transfer is to match your parameters from one tank to the other the best you can and don't let anything stay out of the water for too long.

 

[805drummer]

Thanks for the advice!