Temporary tank setup

Ali :D · 02/02/2010, 08:46 AM

Ok, I have a few issues with my tank mostly because I rushed into my setup (bought a running tank and had to get it up and running quick) and there are a few issues I need to address. Firstly I don't quite trust the stand so I have built a new one (just need the finishing touches but the frame is complete) Second is I have no backing on the tank. I want to paint the back while I can (too close to the wall right now). And thirdly I do not like the sand, its coarse and shelly and I want fine sand so I can have a sand sifter so that it doesn't look so dirty all the time.

So, my question is; can I run a temporary 65g? I will be using the same sump, pump and rock but I will not be using the sand.

I was thinking, remove the sump and attach to the 65g then remove the water and livestock to the new tank with the rock, remove the sand, swap the stand, paint the back then new sand and then followed by the rock and livestock.

Or what do you suggest I should do?

Thank you in advance.

Ali.

Engine8ff · 02/02/2010, 09:32 AM

First what kind of live stock do you have in the current set up? The problem I would see with doing so much to the tank, ie removing sand and putting in new sand, would be a cycyle or a mini cycle. If it was me and I was going to make the changes you want to make I would set up 2 temp systems, 1 for my livestock and 1 for the live rock. I would set up the 65 with a HOB because you will need the sump for the current system and I would get a trash can with a power head or 2 for the live rock. Get the 65 up and running for a week or 2 to get the bio filter going and then add the live stock, you will have to keep a close eye on it and do water changes every day or so until the bio filter gets going real good. Do the work you want to do on the current tank and get it set up the way you want it, dont rush or you will have to do it all over again or just get mad. Once the repairs are done then set it back up with the new sand and and live rock and let it cycle then add your live stock. This will be a pain in the behind process but it will pay off in the long run because you took your time and set everything up the way you want it. The biggest thing is dont foreget about the livestock tank it will need alot of attention!!!!!!!! This is how I have done it in the past and it worked out very well. Good luck and keep everyone posted on progress.

wooden_reefer · 02/02/2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali :D

Ok, I have a few issues with my tank mostly because I rushed into my setup (bought a running tank and had to get it up and running quick) and there are a few issues I need to address. Firstly I don't quite trust the stand so I have built a new one (just need the finishing touches but the frame is complete) Second is I have no backing on the tank. I want to paint the back while I can (too close to the wall right now). And thirdly I do not like the sand, its coarse and shelly and I want fine sand so I can have a sand sifter so that it doesn't look so dirty all the time.

So, my question is; can I run a temporary 65g? I will be using the same sump, pump and rock but I will not be using the sand.

I was thinking, remove the sump and attach to the 65g then remove the water and livestock to the new tank with the rock, remove the sand, swap the stand, paint the back then new sand and then followed by the rock and livestock.

Or what do you suggest I should do?

Thank you in advance.

Ali.

At this moment, I have a 55 gal packed with grossly high bioload (two 9 inch, five 5 inch, one 4 inch fish). I am rushing ASAP to setup another larger holding tank of 125 gal, but the 55 will have to do for a couple more days. This is no ammonia after three days and the water is well oxygenated. All but one fish are feeding well.

I use a DIY makeshift wet-dry system. The wet-dry is very efficient in both aeration and nitrification. Since it is a holding tank, you don't care about nitrate accumulation. The wet-dry is the perfect answer to a holding tank. The same number of bacteria can well process ammonia faster in a wet-dry, and bacteria reproduce faster in a wet-dry.

Ali :D · 02/02/2010, 09:49 PM

I actually work for my LFS and I wanted to take my fish there to hold but the thing is we just moved the store and its all upside down and I don't want my fish to go to the temp tanks at work (we moved to a temp location and will be moving again in 60-90 days. Long story!) In an ideal situation I would take them to work. I may still do this, and say take water and rock in the 65 with PH then take out sand, paint, swap stand then add new sand then rock then water and let cycle and then bring back the fish. Also have a RBTA, Torch, condi, zoos and star polyp and im happy with it do I hope all goes well!

02/02/2010, 08:46 AM	#1
Ali :D Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ellenton, FL Posts: 757	Temporary tank setup Ok, I have a few issues with my tank mostly because I rushed into my setup (bought a running tank and had to get it up and running quick) and there are a few issues I need to address. Firstly I don't quite trust the stand so I have built a new one (just need the finishing touches but the frame is complete) Second is I have no backing on the tank. I want to paint the back while I can (too close to the wall right now). And thirdly I do not like the sand, its coarse and shelly and I want fine sand so I can have a sand sifter so that it doesn't look so dirty all the time. So, my question is; can I run a temporary 65g? I will be using the same sump, pump and rock but I will not be using the sand. I was thinking, remove the sump and attach to the 65g then remove the water and livestock to the new tank with the rock, remove the sand, swap the stand, paint the back then new sand and then followed by the rock and livestock. Or what do you suggest I should do? Thank you in advance. Ali.

02/02/2010, 09:32 AM	#2
Engine8ff Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Hertford, NC Posts: 400	First what kind of live stock do you have in the current set up? The problem I would see with doing so much to the tank, ie removing sand and putting in new sand, would be a cycyle or a mini cycle. If it was me and I was going to make the changes you want to make I would set up 2 temp systems, 1 for my livestock and 1 for the live rock. I would set up the 65 with a HOB because you will need the sump for the current system and I would get a trash can with a power head or 2 for the live rock. Get the 65 up and running for a week or 2 to get the bio filter going and then add the live stock, you will have to keep a close eye on it and do water changes every day or so until the bio filter gets going real good. Do the work you want to do on the current tank and get it set up the way you want it, dont rush or you will have to do it all over again or just get mad. Once the repairs are done then set it back up with the new sand and and live rock and let it cycle then add your live stock. This will be a pain in the behind process but it will pay off in the long run because you took your time and set everything up the way you want it. The biggest thing is dont foreget about the livestock tank it will need alot of attention!!!!!!!! This is how I have done it in the past and it worked out very well. Good luck and keep everyone posted on progress. __________________ Back at it with a 150DD setting up with Apex, Octo, Mag Drive, BRS, MH and T5 and all the other cool stuff.

02/02/2010, 09:49 PM	#4
Ali :D Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ellenton, FL Posts: 757	I actually work for my LFS and I wanted to take my fish there to hold but the thing is we just moved the store and its all upside down and I don't want my fish to go to the temp tanks at work (we moved to a temp location and will be moving again in 60-90 days. Long story!) In an ideal situation I would take them to work. I may still do this, and say take water and rock in the 65 with PH then take out sand, paint, swap stand then add new sand then rock then water and let cycle and then bring back the fish. Also have a RBTA, Torch, condi, zoos and star polyp and im happy with it do I hope all goes well!