55 to 90 switchover advice please

[Mare100]

Well....we finally broke down and did it. We bought a 90 gallon to replace the 55. I need a little advice about the "switch-over" though.

Since the 90 is going to be in the exact same place where the 55 is now located, we are going to have to take everything and everybody out of the tank and temporarily house them somewhere. (We are thinking of buying a 40 gal. tank to use that we will later turn into a sump/fuge for the new tank). Husband is going to build a new stand for the new tank.

Main question is.....we are going to use the water from the 55 to hold everybody in. When we set up the 90....we will re-add the old water plus fresh stuff). We will be putting the same sand/rock, etc. and hooking up the same sump/fuge. Will the new tank go through another cycle? How long until we can put the fish back into the new tank?

Any other helpful hints on this move would be greatly appreciated too!

Thanks
M

[cardiffgiant]

I'm mostly tagging along because I plan to do a similar upgrade in the near future.

You can use one of the brute food grade storage cans to temporarily house your water. You may have enough room to add some of your new water to it as well. A lot of folks use these to store RODI, so you may find a use for it after the move.

The 40 breeder idea would be a great temporary spot for your stock, because you could put a heater in it. Otherwise, they're likely to experience a big temperature drop during the transition.

From what I hear, this should be an all day event, so plan your steps and start early. Good luck!

[Leafer]

I need to figure how to just move my 55 without going to the new tank yet. So, I'm also curious abut suggestions also.

[Mare100]

Gee....I"m glad I'm not the only one undertaking such an endeavor! LOL! Good idea about storing the water. Actually, I'd like to start now during water changes. We have extra powerheads, heaters, etc. to keep the water flowing and warm.

We will definitely have to have the fish in a heated spot during the changeover. We live in Western Mass where it seems to ALWAYS be cold. But then again, Ben, I see you are from Buffalo. I think you guys have it worse than us.

I'm just hoping that we can do this in a short period of time and not have to wait for the new tank to go through a cycle.

Leafer, are you moving to a new house or just moving the tank?

M

[joesfiddy]

tagging along about to do the same changeover as you

[Leafer]

Mare,

Thanks for asking. I want to put a 180g where the 55g is. Before the new one goes in There is carpentry work and plumbing for a basement sump setup. So, to get this started and while this is in progress, I just need to move the tank. Too bad I couldn't just remove some water and roll it on a dolly. I wish I could do this without too much disruption.

[-=Efrain=-]

Moving sand will almost always start a mini cycle.. I would use as much of the old water as possibleas long as the params are good. Buy rubbermaid containers to hold everything in during the change over and everything should be fine. Keep water heated and flow going in the rubbermaids..

[camlov2]

WARNING!

If you are going to use your future sump (40 gallon) as a temporary tank you need to make sure you can get this tank in the stand after setting up the 90. Wouldn't want to have to cut into the stand to put the sump in place. If your husband is building the stand a end that opens would be a huge plus so that you can slide in/out a sump at any time.

Good Luck.

[Mare100]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I guess a little mini-cycle is tolerable as long as the fish are comfortable in their "holding" tank. Our snowflake will probably just hide the whole time. My big concern is for our wrasse....who is HUGE and isn't going to be too comfortable in a small tank. How long to go through a Mini-cycle?

Camlov2....Hubby learned his lesson from the first stand he built (the one the 55 is on now). He didn't take into consideration leaving enough room for sump, etc. so everything is now sitting along side the stand. When he built the stand for the 120...he made sure he left enough room....PLUS he did that great little trick you mentioned about having a door that opened on the side. It's wonderful, as we already had to use it to change out a sump in there.

Leafer.....that actually sounds like a good idea about the dolly! Actually....you know what I would do? (And I hope this doesn't sound too out there)...but...I would move my livestock and most of the water to a temporary holding place. Then I would either get (or have someone make for you) a cart of some sort that is on wheels. Something that is equal height to your stand. Then....get someone really strong to help you "slide" the tank onto the cart...then wheel it to whereever you need it and refill it. Sounds weird, huh? I just can't think of any other way rather than totally tearing down the tank.

M

[R.L.Young]

To move a 55 gallon tank I use the plastic furniture skids like you see on tv ,or buy at home depo,take out as much water has possible some rock if you can. Tilt the stand enough to slide skids under and slide tank to its new place add freash water and your done.
These skids work well on carpet ,vinly or hard wood.
Hope this helped