Question about mixing water from tanks

L

LuHockey2

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I am going to be doing a tank upgrade from an 85 gal to a 120 gal. I am going to save as much of my water as I can, but I know I will have to have extra(at least 35 gal to make up difference) to make up for water lost & for muddy water that I dont want to use again. The new tank I am buying is up and running, the person is draining it when I get there, can I save some of his water if he lets me and use it to fill the new tank?? I have heard not to mix water from different tanks but I wasnt sure if this was a rule or not. I know his tank to be very healthy & I thought it would be more "cultured" water that I could use instead of new water. If new water would be better to mix in instead of "used" water from another tank then that is what I will do, not trying to save money, just want to do what is best for health of livestock. Just wanted to get some opinions as I have never done a tank move/switch before....

If I have forgotten anything or if anyone has other suggestions/ideas feel free to inject. BTW, I will be using brand new live sand if that matters in anyone's response.

Any comments would be appreciated!!
 
Saving the water wouldn't do you much good. Saving a portion of the sandbed could be useful coming from a mature system as you described. I would try to obtain at least a few cupfuls of sand from the tank in order to seed your new sandbed and add to the diversity of your sandbed. If the sand has any nastiness or foul smell, I wouldn't use it.
 
If it where me...I dont think i'd do it. In my experience, I always make as much water as I need...then almost double it. You need to account for spilage, etc. Also, I used new water to clean rocks with as it is the perfect opportunity to do so. Any left over will keep for a soon water change.
If I ran it thru a UV filter and carbon, maybe...but I would think keeping as much of your original water for the bio factor will be in your favor.

Just a thought. :wink:
 
I'm in the better safe then sorry crowd. Use what you want out of your old then mix up brand new saltwater for the rest. Even a 50% water change is no big deal and as long as the temp and pH match it is a non issue.
 
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