Moving to a bigger tank, need advice!!!

jsdancer · 07/24/2009, 10:02 PM

Well guys I want to make a move to a bigger tank. From a 125g to a 180g. Probably and most likely the biggest and final one for this lifetime! Actually, with the space I have in the room and a great opportunity at a lfs, ITS TIME!

I will be using some of the equipment from the old system like:

3- 250 mh radiums running galaxy ballasts

Plenty of super bright LED’s

6 Korallia power heads

The new tank will be 72x24x24, It will have 2 built-in over flows with a return from each.

The new sump is 4 feet in length with enough space for media and a possible sand bed. A Gen X pcx-100 will run the show.

I need some advice as to the following:

1. As far as the corals what do I need to watch out for when making the transfer?

a. How long can the corals be without lights?

b. How long can they remain in a vat with just water circulation?

c. While in the vat should I continue to run the ca reactor?

2. Water wise how much of the old water should I keep?

a. Do I need to add any additives like “good bacteria” ones when you cycle a tank for the 1st time?

2. I will be adding some more cured live rock,

a. How many lbs can I add without having to throw off water quality?

b. How soon will the next water change need to take place?

3. Do you guys feel that I should add the fish, live rock and then corals in that order?

Or will it not matter since I will be using enough water from the old system?

4. Is there a way to place the power heads to run in a certain pattern or should it run randomly?

Well this should be it for now. You guys can guide me on anything else I may have forgotten.

Thank you for your advice.

07/24/2009, 10:02 PM	#1
jsdancer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Orlando Posts: 796	Moving to a bigger tank, need advice!!! Well guys I want to make a move to a bigger tank. From a 125g to a 180g. Probably and most likely the biggest and final one for this lifetime! Actually, with the space I have in the room and a great opportunity at a lfs, ITS TIME! I will be using some of the equipment from the old system like: 3- 250 mh radiums running galaxy ballasts Plenty of super bright LED’s 6 Korallia power heads The new tank will be 72x24x24, It will have 2 built-in over flows with a return from each. The new sump is 4 feet in length with enough space for media and a possible sand bed. A Gen X pcx-100 will run the show. I need some advice as to the following: 1. As far as the corals what do I need to watch out for when making the transfer? a. How long can the corals be without lights? b. How long can they remain in a vat with just water circulation? c. While in the vat should I continue to run the ca reactor? 2. Water wise how much of the old water should I keep? a. Do I need to add any additives like “good bacteria” ones when you cycle a tank for the 1st time? 2. I will be adding some more cured live rock, a. How many lbs can I add without having to throw off water quality? b. How soon will the next water change need to take place? 3. Do you guys feel that I should add the fish, live rock and then corals in that order? Or will it not matter since I will be using enough water from the old system? 4. Is there a way to place the power heads to run in a certain pattern or should it run randomly? Well this should be it for now. You guys can guide me on anything else I may have forgotten. Thank you for your advice.