Upgrading to a Larger Tank

[busy_mom]

Is there a forum on upgrading tanks from an established system to a new one! I have a 30gal w an eclipse hood wanting 2 switch 2 a 75..

[leebca]

WELCOME TO REEFLAND!


I moved your post into its own thread, since the subject does have some appeal on its own.

This post was originally connected to this thread: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

In essence you are in fact starting a new aquarium. When expanding, you will be adding new substrate, and new decorations. If you use live rock, then you'll want to add additional live rock.

The new aquarium will take time to mature. If the fishes in the old tank are delicate species or species that require a mature aquarium, they will not do very well to transfer over. If they are hardy and not over crowded in the original tank, then after a couple of days, can be moved over.

The above depends on the status of the live rock you are adding. It has to be cured by you, in buckets rather than in the aquarium -- verifying it is suitable to put into immediate use. After this, then the new setup should be on its way to maturing (with the old rock and old substrate added in).

Even though you have fish and some clean up crew, etc. After they are in the new home, you pretend like it's a new aquarium, and then follow along starting at the place of adding clean up crew, of the instructions given in that post (above).

[Seige]

Did you set up the 30g tank? How long have you run that tank?

What's in your 30g tank? What are you planning to put in the 75g tank?

You could possibly re-use the 30g as a sump if you don't already have one.

[busy_mom]

Yes I set up the 30 gal tank. I have had it set up for around 5 years no problems ever! I have crushed coral and lava rock in the 30gal with 2 clown fish. the fish are as old as the aquarium and have never had a problem. I have killed off a few angels in my time but that was at the beginning. I would like to move my clowns into the 75gal. There are arguments between the husband and I as to what fish will be in the 75gal with them. I love the simple hearty fish and I would like to include some snails and crabs.He prefers the agressive triggers ect.Things that will kill my clowns :Nemo and MeanMo.. I don't plan on buying live rock! I love the look of the lava rock with the crushed coral. I plan on transferring the lava rock and the crushed coral from the 30 to the 75! 30 gal as a sump would work fine since the tank wont be used after I transfer! I have 2 pinguin biowheel 350's on the 75gal wich= 4 bio wheels. I hear bad things about the bio wheels but the eclipse has been fine for me so I don't know. I have never had a skimmer but I know it will be a deff with the new tank. I'd like to keep things simple and lol...cheap..lol yeh I know that won't happen but simple would be nice especially if I can use the pinguin 350's.
Thanks....

[denhay14]

I've never really had a problem with my bioballs but supposevely after a while they become nitrate factories=\. So im in the process of removing them all and substituting live rock in for them.

What part of IL are you from?

[Seige]

If you want to go cheap look for used equipment otherwise you'll easily spend $2000. I'm at about $4600 on my 55g.

If you want corals I'd check with your local clubs for cheap frags and try Geothermal Aquaculture Research Foundation for their deal. Wish I could get it.

No idea about bio wheels. I have one on my QT but that's rarely in use. Your current amount of LR won't be enough to support the system. You need around 75 lbs. You can try less since you'll have the penguin filter but the fish usually like the extra space for caves. With less reef you could end up with them fighting a lot more over the limited territory.

If he wants triggers how about setting up a display refugium? Wouldn't cost a lot extra. You can connect the refugium to the main tank and sump so you have more water in your system. More water = more stability.

[busy_mom]

So I have heard terrible things about the bio balls but not the wheels I don't know if it is possibly because they are moving all the time or if they just aren't popular! I am buying a new skimmer and alot more lava rock and crushed coral! I was hoping the setup would work like my old one since it would be preddy much the same concept but bigger but I don't know! A refugium would be a good idea, I'm just not shr about doing the setup myself. It would have to all be in the stand underneath the tank. I live in central il, so we don't have many experts around that actually have a clue what they are talking about! Anyway you have some great ideas, keep'em comin. Any models or pics of setups you think I should look at feel free 2 send them. I would like to take my time and do this right. Its preddy easy to take care of right now, with nothin in it..lol

[leebca]

There are, of course, essential elements to the marine system. You must provide a biological filter and a chemical filter and a mechanical filter.

Some equipment, such as a skimmer can be passed by, BUT your fish load must be smaller and/or your water changes large and frequent. This will strain the chemical filter and require more quantity and frequent changes of the chemical (usually activated carbon).

You may wish to obtain some books on marine aquariums before doing your expansion, to get an idea of various setups, equipment, and other things to consider. See this as a starter list: Saltwater and Reef Aquarium Forums - Reeflands Forum marine aquarium books reading