Moving and upsizing, would like some feedback

[gumbyke1]

I will be moving across town in a couple of months and figured I might as well go to a larger tank size in the process. I currently have a 29 gallon nano and feel that I have "mastered" the art of keeping a small tank, but I have a few questions about upgrading to a 55-70 gallon.

1. Will I encounter any issues with the tank having to cycle again if I use my existing sand, LV, and filter media?
2. While transporting, do I have to keep the sand and filter in water in order to keep the everything "live".
3. I have been operating the 29 without a sump and doing quite well. Will the need for a sump be even more increasingly important for a larger tank?
4. On my 29 gallon, I am using a just a 250w MH pendant . Do you think I will need to add additional lighting for a 55-70?
5. My 29 gallon is packed to the brim with LV... how much more will I need for a 55-70 gallon?
6. Any additional hints or tips on successfully transfering the tank would be much appreciated. This tank is my "baby" and sadly livestock are somewhat like family to me.

 

[Heath]

@gumbyke1 wrote:

1. LR and filter media will be fine so long as they arent left out to dry, but anytime you disturb a sand bed to the extent that you will for a tank exchange, you will have die off. Plus I assume you are adding more sand since you have a larger tank, or will have...
You will see another cycle.
2.Yes, and if you are letting them sit in the water for extended period of time, you need to provide a power head or a bubble for them too.
3.No, but sumps make it easier.
4. I guess you could center the light on the tank, but to get good coverage on a 4ft long tank, I would think you would need another pendant.

 

[Guest]

1.. Will I encounter any issues with the tank having to cycle again if I use my existing sand, LV, and filter media?

Do not use your existing sand buy new sand and seed it with cup or two of your old sand.

2. While transporting, do I have to keep the sand and filter in water in order to keep the everything "live".

When you say filter media are you talking bioballs? if so you can actually remove them prob give them a good rinse and either use them (if it were me i would not use bioballs)

3. I have been operating the 29 without a sump and doing quite well. Will the need for a sump be even more increasingly important for a larger tank?

I would add a sump as it good place to hide eqpt

4. On my 29 gallon, I am using a just a 250w MH pendant . Do you think I will need to add additional lighting for a 55-70?

Depending on the dimensions of the tank and how high you can place the pendant.

5. My 29 gallon is packed to the brim with LV... how much more will I need for a 55-70 gallon?

You can buy dry rock ecorox or marco rocks to add to your tank. I would try your rock first and add more later if you think it needs more

6. Any additional hints or tips on successfully transfering the tank would be much appreciated. This tank is my "baby" and sadly livestock are somewhat like family to me.

Do not use your old sand buy new sand and seed with cup or two of you old sand

 

[OceanMan]

+1 to all pretty much...

1. Should think about using new sand and seeding in some of your old. Your existing rock is fine.

2. Def keep any live stuff in water during the transfer. Now that it's getting colder, be sure to keep it warm and aerated as needed. Try to minimize the amount of time b/w tanks.

3. Sumps are good things, they allow for more water volume in total, and as said you can hide all your equipment in 'em.

4. Might need more light, depends on the dimensions of the new tank. If it's not wide but tall, then you might be ok. You may want to consider adding 2 T5s or 2 VHOs for extra coverage on the sides, and for more pop.

5. As pampee said, I'd use your rock and pick up perhaps 20+ pounds of dry rock from places like Marco Rocks or Bulk Reef Supply. You won't experience a cycle when adding the dry rock and it will be seeded and coraline covered in about 4-6 months. Cheaper than adding more live... looks better, too....