Upgrading from 33G to 45G

[vertex]

I just got a used 45G setup and am thinking of upscaling my 33G salwater to the 45 gallon. Otherwise we may just use it for a FW grow out tank. however, if I do upgrade to the 45G for the saltwater, what is the best way to do this.

1. Should I plan to just move everything at once to the bigger tank or should I setup the 45 and start it cycling with its filters and everything. I have an extra protein skimmer (a turbo medic 1000) PHs and light for the new 45G.

2. If I slowly move to the 45, I plan to do water changes in the 33G but move the old water into the 45 to help the bateria situation...

3. My good light is a coralife 2x96W PC but it is only 36" long. The 45G is a 48" long tank, will the coralife work will for this still as it is only 6" on each end and still a good 4.3 watts per gallon.

4. I would guess the LR and DSB should be moved all at once?

5. Will the new tank if everything is moved have to go though a cycle again? Is this dangerous to inhabitants (currently only snails, feather duster and brittle star)?

Any other ideas how to best do this move once I get to it??

Thanks in advanced!!

 

[theatrus]

I'd setup the 45 first, put some new water in it, but then transfer the rest over a couple of days. You probably want to try to move the substrate (and obviously the rocks and fish ).

The 36" light will work assuming you find a good way of perching it above the tank. You'll have dark spots on the edges, so don't put any corals, etc there. If you can raise the light a bit, you'll get a more even spread (at the expense of intensity).

 

[vertex]

Thanks theatrus,

ya, I will likely put the light in an open back canopy so I can easily mount it above the tank a little. I really hate the stupid little mounts that come with the coralife anyway since they don't work on a narrow tank since the glass that folds up in the front hits the bracket. I can avoid that problem with a canopy.

Anyway, will the tank cycle again even if I move all the contents in a short time? how closely should I watch the water parameters once everything is moved or will it just be OK to leave as I normally would??