How to transfer to a larger tank....

[fisherman08]

I currently have a 29 gallon reef tank and was thinking about getting a larger tank. How do I switch tanks without killing everything I have in it?

Do I buy new live rock it can I use the rock in my own tank?

What do I do about the live sand?

How long would I have to wait to put my fish in?

Please help!!!

 

[Macscale]

Well, it all depends on different factors.

What I would do is:
1. Move current fish to a QT
2. Siphon out water
3. Add the rock into the old tank water (Don't expose it to air for more then 5 seconds)
4. Clean out the old tank
5. Fill the new tank
6. Aqua scape
7. Add NEW Sand
8. Monitor Parameters for a few days
9. Re-Introduce new fish.

I wouldn't salvage the sand, it's just better to get a new one.

 

[fisherman08]

Great! Thanks

 

[Macscale]

Yeah no problem. Make sure to monitor the parameters for maybe a day or two before you add the fish back in.

 

[54seaweed]

this is how I did it

Set up new tank with equipment.
Fill partway with salt water.
Remove rock from old tank and place it in the new tank.
Add sand to new tank. I always put my rock in first so it's sitting on the bottom. That way if the sand shifts (I have diggers) then the rock doesn't fall.
I then drain much of the water from the old tank and put it in the new one. I leave enough for the fish.
Move fish over to new tank. There should be no rock in the old tank at this point so catching fish is pretty easy.
Drain more water and put it in the new tank.
Top off the new tank with salt water.
Turn off the lights and let the fish calm down.