Adopting a used SW tank

[Myka]

Personally, anytime I move a tank I replace the sandbed. Just keep a few cups of the old stuff to "seed" the new stuff - sprinkle it on top.

When I move a tank, I remove the inhabitants (bags or Rubbermaids). Then I remove the rocks into Rubbermaid containers with tank water wetted sheets draped over them, and the lids on. If possible, keep the rocks underwater (old tank water) the entire time, but often just not feasible. I try to keep as much old tank water as possible, up to 50%. If there are filters that have sponges or other biolgoical media keep those underwater (old tank water) the entire time.

When I get to the new place I give the tank a good scrubbing as well as the skimmer, powerheads, and pumps. Put the rock in the tank, and set it up as you would like it, then drape the wet sheets over it again. Try to keep the rock out of the water for as little time as possible. Put the old tank water in the tank. Add as much new saltwater as needed to cover the rocks, not higher, and not enough to go over the overflows. Remove the wet sheets. Put a heater temporarily in the tank.

Add the new sand as carefully as possible to try not to cloud the water excessively. If you use "live" bagged sand it is prewashed and not as dusty. Put the whole bag into the tank down at the bottom, then cut it open, and gently slide the sand out. If you use non-live sand you need to rinse it VERY well before putting it in the tank, and use a container to take the sand to the bottom before dumping it. Add a few cups of the old sand sprinkled over top. Let stand for an hour or so, then turn some powerheads on blasting them mainly at the rocks.

Hook up the sump and all the plumbing, get the skimmer ready. Fill the sump with fresh saltwater, and get the skimmer going. Fill the rest of the tank with saltwater, get your return going, and all the rest of the gear. If you have a calcium reactor, don't turn that on for a couple days. Hopefully the tank will clear up at least so you can see the back in a few hours. At that point you can start drip acclimating the livestock. Drip them for a couple hours, and add them in. Don't turn the lights on until the next day.

Do you have an RO/DI unit yet? If not, go buy one and start making water. Don't use tap water. The fresh saltwater you're going to need needs to be circulated for 24 hours before putting it in the tank.