New Tank Starting Up

scott26 · 03/03/2010, 01:45 PM

I am in a bit of a perdiciment I have a new 90 gallon surfline aquarium that I am going to be setting up I am not sure how to go about the transfer from my old 60 gallon.

Here is the problem I have been struggling with my 60 gallon for a while now it chrased about 5 months ago and has come back around it had a large GHA out break that has now subsided and is no longer growing like made I have cleaned the rocks from the majority that was on them. But my coral that I do have in my aquarium always seem to be barley holding on and I am not sure why I get my water tested and everytime I do they say that everything looks good I do regular water changes at 5 gallons a week.

Something to note I had added 2 large piece of lava rock that I found, I boiled them to get any contaminates out of them and they have been in my tank for a while now could that be the issue? If so how to fix it?

So here are my two options.

1. Start new with the 90 gallon use nothing from the 60 gallon besides a powerhead or two and clean them good before adding to main tank. And start a brand new cycle.

2. Use what I have in the 60 gallon system like LR and sand and water.

3. Use the LR fromt the 60 toss the lava and use 50% of the water and sand.

So what is the best thing to do here I am not sure what way I should go.

philneuss · 03/03/2010, 02:23 PM

If you go with decisions 2 or 3 will you doubt yourself down the road when something isn't going quite right? If so, and money isn't a large factor I would just start with all new rock, sand and water.

Chiefsurfer · 03/03/2010, 02:25 PM

I would first toss the lava rock. It is my understanding that Lava Rock, although very pourous, is extremely high in iron, which is definitely bad in your system. This could be causing the problems. HONESTLY, I would either start ALL OVER with new everything, including powerheads(might be a leaking electricity issue), OR figure out what is wrong with the old tank, and make it better before using anything.

If you remove the lava rock and everything is fine after 2 months or so, then you can use everything from the 60 and just shoot it right over(I would definitely reccomend using new sand) new water, heat the water, Add base rock, buy the test kits(all of them) for yourself and do your own testing, then transfer the rock and livestock over. You may add the baserock before the sand, as if you have any sand-burrowing critters, you want the bottom rocks right on the glass, and not sitting on the sand.

I wouldn't transfer anything to the new tank unless and until you figure out why it's having problems.

scott26 · 03/03/2010, 02:38 PM

Is there a way to treat the LR I have now? I would like to keep that maybe add half or 3/4 of it with some new base rock I got. As far as sand the majority of it is new sand that I just added about 3 months back I am trying keep as much as possible to cut down on cost.

philneuss · 03/03/2010, 02:45 PM

Read ChiefSurfers last line! The problem with live rock and sand is the can absorb harmful chemicals deep inside through the pores. Only time can get some of that stuff out. If you don't know what the problem is I wouldn't use that stuff.

Chiefsurfer · 03/03/2010, 03:07 PM

If you fix whatever is "going wrong" with the 60 gallon tank, you can MOST CERTAINLY use the rock(barring the lava rock), and really wouldn't need anything to treat it. For 90 gallons I would suggest somewhere right around 100lbs of total rock.

As for the sand. Sand can easily contain excessive amounts of all kinds of "stuff". That stuff can be toxic if it is decaying matter. If you want to use the sand(sand is fairly cheap in terms of this hobby) you definitely can, but I would reccomend a THOROUGH cleaning with RO/DI water. Usually when you consider time, energy, and water, it really doesn't pay off. If you buy new sand, you do not need "live" sand, dry sand will be just fine.

I also would like to see the sand settle 2-3 days before adding livestock. Usually the rocks get placed on the glass, then sand filled in around it, or you dig the rocks into the sand so they are on the glass. This prevents dead burrowing fish, and rockslides. This would mean either your base-rock would have to go on the bottom, or take the rock out of the old display. For this reason, your livestock would not be happy in the old tank because of no filtration media. Also, stirring up the sand-bed in the old tank can release toxins, bad for your livestock.

To answer your question, BOTH sand and rock CAN be re-used.

Yaqngie · 03/03/2010, 03:27 PM

As painful as it might be to have to buy new LR for your system, Id start fresh! LR is one of the most important parts of a tank.

scott26 · 03/03/2010, 03:42 PM

I had hoped it didn't have to come to that but I guess I will just have to restart all over again.

I had watched a video on Bulk Reef Supply stating that it is not neccasary to use LR but instead just use dry rock and add some coraline alage and let it spread on its own then add fish slowly and moniter the water for spikes. Is this true because if so I would rather go that route I am in no hurry to set up the tank other then I want it to be set up. So if it is cost effective I can wait for the dry rock (base rock) to become live rock on its own?

scott26 · 03/03/2010, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yaqngie

As painful as it might be to have to buy new LR for your system, Id start fresh! LR is one of the most important parts of a tank.

I can already hear my wallet and wife screaming.

dudley moray · 03/03/2010, 05:01 PM

i would go with option three use your live rock and 30-50% of your water but get new sand and clean off as much gha as possible then in a couple of days do a 30-50% water change there will not be a cycle per se but you will get a diatom bloom type cycle, toss out that lava rock as it is most likely the cause of your algae problems

dudley moray · 03/03/2010, 05:02 PM

double post "weird"

Chiefsurfer · 03/03/2010, 05:43 PM

Scott, you ABSOLUTELY can use base rock. It will not cycle on it's own, so you can't just sit back and watch it, but there are many ways to cycle your rock. One of the most popular ways is with a few raw shrimp. Wooden reefer will chime in with g/gal to reach the specific ammount of ammonia you desire. As many times as he has told me, I never remember the exact amount.

Also, the best way to get corraline going quickly is get a single small rock that is COVERED with corraline(once your tank is cycled) take a stiff bristled brush, like a hard toothbrush, and scrub the corraline inside the tank. That will scrape/scratch the corraline off that particular rock, but spread it around the tank.

I have been told that marco rocks has some of the best dry rock you can buy.

scott26 · 03/03/2010, 07:57 PM

I got a good set of base rock I believe it is fiji from the looks of it and there is another guy down south of me with more I should be able to get enough to start it up do you have any links on how to properly set up an aquarium using base rock from start to finish?

03/03/2010, 01:45 PM	#1
scott26 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Santa Maria Posts: 624	New Tank Starting Up I am in a bit of a perdiciment I have a new 90 gallon surfline aquarium that I am going to be setting up I am not sure how to go about the transfer from my old 60 gallon. Here is the problem I have been struggling with my 60 gallon for a while now it chrased about 5 months ago and has come back around it had a large GHA out break that has now subsided and is no longer growing like made I have cleaned the rocks from the majority that was on them. But my coral that I do have in my aquarium always seem to be barley holding on and I am not sure why I get my water tested and everytime I do they say that everything looks good I do regular water changes at 5 gallons a week. Something to note I had added 2 large piece of lava rock that I found, I boiled them to get any contaminates out of them and they have been in my tank for a while now could that be the issue? If so how to fix it? So here are my two options. 1. Start new with the 90 gallon use nothing from the 60 gallon besides a powerhead or two and clean them good before adding to main tank. And start a brand new cycle. 2. Use what I have in the 60 gallon system like LR and sand and water. 3. Use the LR fromt the 60 toss the lava and use 50% of the water and sand. So what is the best thing to do here I am not sure what way I should go.

03/03/2010, 02:23 PM	#2
philneuss Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 59	If you go with decisions 2 or 3 will you doubt yourself down the road when something isn't going quite right? If so, and money isn't a large factor I would just start with all new rock, sand and water. __________________ 75 gal mixed reef, 20 gal sump/fuge, 6x54 watt T-5 lighting, Octopus NW150 skimmer

03/03/2010, 02:25 PM	#3
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	I would first toss the lava rock. It is my understanding that Lava Rock, although very pourous, is extremely high in iron, which is definitely bad in your system. This could be causing the problems. HONESTLY, I would either start ALL OVER with new everything, including powerheads(might be a leaking electricity issue), OR figure out what is wrong with the old tank, and make it better before using anything. If you remove the lava rock and everything is fine after 2 months or so, then you can use everything from the 60 and just shoot it right over(I would definitely reccomend using new sand) new water, heat the water, Add base rock, buy the test kits(all of them) for yourself and do your own testing, then transfer the rock and livestock over. You may add the baserock before the sand, as if you have any sand-burrowing critters, you want the bottom rocks right on the glass, and not sitting on the sand. I wouldn't transfer anything to the new tank unless and until you figure out why it's having problems. __________________ Chief Current Tank: 20 Gallon tall, 4-bulb t5 HO, Eshopps psk75H, ac-70 fuge. So far, green clown goby, striped goby, more gorillas than I wish I had, 5 SPS frags, 3 LPS Frags, 1 Softee, Turkey Wing Clam. Plan for the future: 120 gallon 4ft glass tank. Current Tank Info: 20 gallon tall Reef Tank

03/03/2010, 02:45 PM	#5
philneuss Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 59	Read ChiefSurfers last line! The problem with live rock and sand is the can absorb harmful chemicals deep inside through the pores. Only time can get some of that stuff out. If you don't know what the problem is I wouldn't use that stuff. __________________ 75 gal mixed reef, 20 gal sump/fuge, 6x54 watt T-5 lighting, Octopus NW150 skimmer

03/03/2010, 03:07 PM	#6
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	If you fix whatever is "going wrong" with the 60 gallon tank, you can MOST CERTAINLY use the rock(barring the lava rock), and really wouldn't need anything to treat it. For 90 gallons I would suggest somewhere right around 100lbs of total rock. As for the sand. Sand can easily contain excessive amounts of all kinds of "stuff". That stuff can be toxic if it is decaying matter. If you want to use the sand(sand is fairly cheap in terms of this hobby) you definitely can, but I would reccomend a THOROUGH cleaning with RO/DI water. Usually when you consider time, energy, and water, it really doesn't pay off. If you buy new sand, you do not need "live" sand, dry sand will be just fine. I also would like to see the sand settle 2-3 days before adding livestock. Usually the rocks get placed on the glass, then sand filled in around it, or you dig the rocks into the sand so they are on the glass. This prevents dead burrowing fish, and rockslides. This would mean either your base-rock would have to go on the bottom, or take the rock out of the old display. For this reason, your livestock would not be happy in the old tank because of no filtration media. Also, stirring up the sand-bed in the old tank can release toxins, bad for your livestock. To answer your question, BOTH sand and rock CAN be re-used. __________________ Chief Current Tank: 20 Gallon tall, 4-bulb t5 HO, Eshopps psk75H, ac-70 fuge. So far, green clown goby, striped goby, more gorillas than I wish I had, 5 SPS frags, 3 LPS Frags, 1 Softee, Turkey Wing Clam. Plan for the future: 120 gallon 4ft glass tank. Current Tank Info: 20 gallon tall Reef Tank

03/03/2010, 02:38 PM	#4
scott26 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Santa Maria Posts: 624	Is there a way to treat the LR I have now? I would like to keep that maybe add half or 3/4 of it with some new base rock I got. As far as sand the majority of it is new sand that I just added about 3 months back I am trying keep as much as possible to cut down on cost.

03/03/2010, 03:27 PM	#7
Yaqngie Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: ILM, NC Posts: 85	As painful as it might be to have to buy new LR for your system, Id start fresh! LR is one of the most important parts of a tank.

03/03/2010, 03:42 PM	#8
scott26 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Santa Maria Posts: 624	I had hoped it didn't have to come to that but I guess I will just have to restart all over again. I had watched a video on Bulk Reef Supply stating that it is not neccasary to use LR but instead just use dry rock and add some coraline alage and let it spread on its own then add fish slowly and moniter the water for spikes. Is this true because if so I would rather go that route I am in no hurry to set up the tank other then I want it to be set up. So if it is cost effective I can wait for the dry rock (base rock) to become live rock on its own?

03/03/2010, 05:01 PM	#10
dudley moray sisternofuselessknowledge Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: orillia ontario Posts: 795	i would go with option three use your live rock and 30-50% of your water but get new sand and clean off as much gha as possible then in a couple of days do a 30-50% water change there will not be a cycle per se but you will get a diatom bloom type cycle, toss out that lava rock as it is most likely the cause of your algae problems __________________ We urge hobbyists to develop a good 'BS' detector that will allow you to question information presented to you without any experimental evidence to support it. chris Current Tank Info: 90 gal south pacific biotope 40 gal sump/fuge ,65 gal rebuilding Last edited by dudley moray; 03/03/2010 at 05:11 PM.

03/03/2010, 05:02 PM	#11
dudley moray sisternofuselessknowledge Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: orillia ontario Posts: 795	double post "weird" __________________ We urge hobbyists to develop a good 'BS' detector that will allow you to question information presented to you without any experimental evidence to support it. chris Current Tank Info: 90 gal south pacific biotope 40 gal sump/fuge ,65 gal rebuilding

03/03/2010, 05:43 PM	#12
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	Scott, you ABSOLUTELY can use base rock. It will not cycle on it's own, so you can't just sit back and watch it, but there are many ways to cycle your rock. One of the most popular ways is with a few raw shrimp. Wooden reefer will chime in with g/gal to reach the specific ammount of ammonia you desire. As many times as he has told me, I never remember the exact amount. Also, the best way to get corraline going quickly is get a single small rock that is COVERED with corraline(once your tank is cycled) take a stiff bristled brush, like a hard toothbrush, and scrub the corraline inside the tank. That will scrape/scratch the corraline off that particular rock, but spread it around the tank. I have been told that marco rocks has some of the best dry rock you can buy. __________________ Chief Current Tank: 20 Gallon tall, 4-bulb t5 HO, Eshopps psk75H, ac-70 fuge. So far, green clown goby, striped goby, more gorillas than I wish I had, 5 SPS frags, 3 LPS Frags, 1 Softee, Turkey Wing Clam. Plan for the future: 120 gallon 4ft glass tank. Current Tank Info: 20 gallon tall Reef Tank

03/03/2010, 07:57 PM	#13
scott26 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Santa Maria Posts: 624	I got a good set of base rock I believe it is fiji from the looks of it and there is another guy down south of me with more I should be able to get enough to start it up do you have any links on how to properly set up an aquarium using base rock from start to finish?