upgrading to a larger tank

[Gandolfe]

I was wondering if it would be better to place a few rocks and some sand in the new tank and let it cycle before putting the rest of my rocks from my old tank in and the livestock or if i can just put all the old rock and sand in at once and then the livestock as long as i keep the old rock in water during the move. Any thoughts?

 

[Gandolfe]

I was now thinking I would set up new 125, pull all the rock out of my 90 gallon and just leaves the fish in it, aqua scape it, add some sand i have in 5 gallons buckets from my 45 i broke down, let it mini cycle and then add the fish from the 90. think that's the best way to change tanks?

 

[aleonn]

I would use mostly new sand in the new 125. Old sand has lots of detritus and possible build up of toxic gases if it were a DSB. If you still want to use the old sand in the 5gal buckets, I'd rinse it very well first, then let it dry in the sun before placing into the new tank. Then use a few cups of LS from the 90gal to seed.

Other than the sand issue, a lot of people move the rocks, livestock, and water on the same day. I like your idea to wait for a mini-cycle, as there's always potential die-off of bacteria and such.

 

[Gandolfe]

I spent 2 hours rinsing the sand in one 5 gallon bucket in freshwater,9it's filled to the top with sand by the way) and sifting it through a collander to get all the old snails and dead things out, just fine sand left! Still have to do the other bucket..I had a 5" DSB in a 45. close to 100lbs of sand I'd guess, maybe more and more than that in my 90 right now