How much is safe?

[SquishyFish]

I am moving in a few months and one of the things I have to deal with is moving that monster of a tank and the 360lbs of LR that is in it. At 100.00 an hour for two guys to move it, I am moving the rock and inhabitants, but they are going to move the tank and the plumbing. What I want to do is a large water change at the same time. I figure as long as I have them heading this way, why not have them bring some water with them. Its a 175gal...What % would be safe to change out with out causing problems? The tank is stable and about 5 years old, although it started out much smaller. All parameters are ideal except Trites and they are around .05. (Ca is a little low.)


Also, I was thinking of not putting all of the LR back in the tank. What I want to do is one column up the center that is maybe 2ft around, and then one on each end against the bulk heads. This would give the fish alot more swimming room, but it would remove some filtration. I dont know how many pounds would be coming out. Right now the tank is set up as a "shelf" style reef. What does everyone think of the change? More of an open tank? or loaded like it is now?

Here is a pic from about 3 months ago.
http://www.reef-aquarium.net/175gallery/full3-gallery.jpg

Please...the more opinions the better.

Squishy

 

[SquishyFish]

Actually..this was suppose to go in the "general discussion forum." Oh well.

 

[BBReef]

I think the change would look good. I always like original designs better than tradition shelf style setups. although your tank looks better than most with all the caves and such. maybe put all the extra rock in a sump or fuge, that way you dont lose the filtration.

 

[reefrunner69]

I think you can safely get away with a 50% change, maybe more, just make sure you acclimate the Corals and fish, before you put them back. I would also go as far as requarantining any ick prone fish. Make the water well in advace and have it sitting ready at the new location. Also make sure you budget enough time for setting the tank back up, as well as tearing it down.

As for the new scape...Sounds cool, one thing is don't get locked into anything, draw out a couple different things and do a little winging it, have fun with it

 

[SquishyFish]

Thanks guys.

ReefRunner...

As far as having the water sitting there waiting, I get mine from the LFS since I dont have an RO/DI unit. They will be bringing it with them.

As far as breaking it down and scheduling time. I have two aquariums...thats all we will be doing that day. In the mean time, I have to get several more heaters and power heads to put in the holding tanks.

Quarantining the fish is going to be a problem. I have lived in an apartment for several years now, and just dont have the room for a QT tank. We will be setting one up asap once we are in the house, but for now, I dont have one. All of my fish have been in the tank for at least 6 months. To this point I have been lucky and only had one bout w/ any kind of illness and that was a haze on the eye of the Vlamingi. So hopefully I wont have any problems.

As far as "playing" with the aquascape....thats pretty much the only way you can do it right? But I wanted a unique look and I think that will do it.

Thanks again guys.