Upgrading tank size

dweber618 · 11/14/2014, 03:04 PM

Hi All!

I'm about to get my first tank and have been given conflicting information so I'm hoping to get some clarification.

The tank I'm getting is an established tank that another person doesn't have time for. It's maybe 20 gallons, FOWLR tank with 4 fish (a goby, a couple damsels, and a reef chromis. Everything has been alive for a long time, and seems to be in good health. There is a green algae issue though :/

My questions is - I have an empty 36 gallon bowfront aquarium I want to use. I've looked through the forums for people who have asked questions on how to move their existing tanks into larger ones. From what I read, the general consensus seemed to be - transfer rocks, fill with new sand, add new water (but keep some old water), then add fish. When I got to my local store though I was told I should cycle the new tank for at least a month before moving them.

So, why the difference in opinion? I see the point and advantages in cycling a new aquarium, but if people upgrade to a bigger aquarium and aren't cycling - then is it really necessary?

I would really just like to put them in a bigger, newer, better tank because I think they would be happier. I know the green algae problem will be a lot of work to battle - so I am aware of what I'm signing up for!

Thanks for any input you may have - its hard getting such conflicting information when you're a noob - I just want to do it right!

thegrun · 11/14/2014, 07:37 PM

If you add more rock to your new system (and you should) you risk a new cycle unless the new rock you add is either use fully cycled/cured or you use dry rock that does not have dried on organics which could start a new cycle when those organics start to rot once wet. The safest and most conservative method would be to cycle the new system before the transfer, but if you can find cycled rock or dry rock you could make the transfer right away. With the algae issue however the rock in your current system has likely absorbed a lot of phosphate and nitrates, so your algae problem is likely to follow you into your new system unless you use all new rock which would require you to cycle the new tank before transferring your livestock. I would advise using all new rock and cycle the tank.

dweber618 · 11/14/2014, 10:03 PM

Great! Thank you for the advice. That's more what I was leaning towards because of the algae issue. I appreciate you taking the time to respond

11/14/2014, 03:04 PM	#1
dweber618 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: MT Posts: 334	Upgrading tank size Hi All! I'm about to get my first tank and have been given conflicting information so I'm hoping to get some clarification. The tank I'm getting is an established tank that another person doesn't have time for. It's maybe 20 gallons, FOWLR tank with 4 fish (a goby, a couple damsels, and a reef chromis. Everything has been alive for a long time, and seems to be in good health. There is a green algae issue though :/ My questions is - I have an empty 36 gallon bowfront aquarium I want to use. I've looked through the forums for people who have asked questions on how to move their existing tanks into larger ones. From what I read, the general consensus seemed to be - transfer rocks, fill with new sand, add new water (but keep some old water), then add fish. When I got to my local store though I was told I should cycle the new tank for at least a month before moving them. So, why the difference in opinion? I see the point and advantages in cycling a new aquarium, but if people upgrade to a bigger aquarium and aren't cycling - then is it really necessary? I would really just like to put them in a bigger, newer, better tank because I think they would be happier. I know the green algae problem will be a lot of work to battle - so I am aware of what I'm signing up for! Thanks for any input you may have - its hard getting such conflicting information when you're a noob - I just want to do it right! Last edited by dweber618; 11/14/2014 at 03:16 PM.

11/14/2014, 07:37 PM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	If you add more rock to your new system (and you should) you risk a new cycle unless the new rock you add is either use fully cycled/cured or you use dry rock that does not have dried on organics which could start a new cycle when those organics start to rot once wet. The safest and most conservative method would be to cycle the new system before the transfer, but if you can find cycled rock or dry rock you could make the transfer right away. With the algae issue however the rock in your current system has likely absorbed a lot of phosphate and nitrates, so your algae problem is likely to follow you into your new system unless you use all new rock which would require you to cycle the new tank before transferring your livestock. I would advise using all new rock and cycle the tank.

11/14/2014, 10:03 PM	#3
dweber618 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: MT Posts: 334	Great! Thank you for the advice. That's more what I was leaning towards because of the algae issue. I appreciate you taking the time to respond