[killian]

i have posted this topic before. about a month ago i changed from a coral base to sand. it it cleared up for a week then got cloudy and the water turned green. i have tried just about everything eccept full water change but i do not want to have to go through the cycle deal again. i have some really good fish in there that have been with me since the start up and do not feel like getting rid of them yet.i thought about getting a big container and putting water in it and letting it cycle for a while then change out. would this work or could someone give me some ideas. please

[mlundstrom]

Killian,
Doing a full water change will not require your tank to recycle unless you empty it and then wait a day or so to add new water. The cycle creates bacteria in the substrate and live rock, and this won't die off if you do a water change.

I would do a 50% or greater water change and then add carbon filtration to your system if you don't already have it. If I understand your question then Yes, get a barrel or other large clean container. If the container needs cleaning use a lightly soapy mixture and clean out the container, then use a mixture of 1 cup vinegar to 1 gallon water and wash out the inside good. Then rinse out the container well. The vinegar will breakdown any residual soap from the cleaning and rinse it away. Mix your saltwater with a powerhead for at least several hours, overnight is best, and bring to proper temp for your system. Check your PH and salinity right before you make the change to make things are fine then go for it. Your fish will be fine for the short time that it will take for you to swap the water. It is easier if you have a large container to put the waste water directly into. I use a powerhead to pump the old water into 1 barrel and then use it to pump the new water from the 1st barrel back to the tank. It is quick, little to no mess, and your fish are disturbed as little as possible.

HTH

Good Luck