Advice for tank transfer?

[Lance]

Originally Posted by lastlight

To test the new system and be able to bring the sump etc all online I had to of course mix up saltwater to fill the entire thing. So waste isn't really a concern I guess as I had to fill the thing anyhow. Question is do I bring the system params inline and add my livestock or do that THEN siphon 30 gallons out (new fresh water) and add 30 from the old tank (which has now gone 2 weeks without a waterchange because I've been busy with all this).

I'm also considering buying however much rock I want to add, adding it and letting it cycle in the new setup for however long that may take. Could be really fast or your standard few weeks. Then add the livestock...

If you're going to add new live rock, I'd let it cycle first before livestock.
If not, fill the new tank to aprox 30 gals less than full. Siphon most of the water out of the old tank into the new before you move your livestock. This will make catching the fish easier. Harder for them to elude you and hide with little water and rock in the tank. After the livestock is in top up the new tank with the leftover old water. Good Luck!