I'm moving, need some advice.

[Funkytone]

Originally Posted by christyf5

Heres what I did when I moved.
Siphon half the water out to save to the new tank (if possible, you could use less if you had to). Siphon more water out to rock tubs (this water will be disposed of later). Take water down as far as you can (remove any rock that isn't sitting on the sandbed as the water lowers but leave the rock that is on the sandbed until last). Siphon water to about 4 inches or so. Remove last of rock to rubbermaid tubs. Catch fish and either put them in a tub/bucket by themselves or with a few corals. Don't put the fish in with any larger rock or you risk dead fish with a landslide.

Is there any risk to using all new saltwater?

Originally Posted by christyf5

At this point, really I would plan on ditching the sand. No matter how old it is, its full of crap and the amount of rinsing you'll have to do to even get it reasonably clean is immense. If anything is going to cause you problems down the road it will probably be the sandbed (JMO).....

Think the sand is bad even if its only 6 months old and looks pretty clean? I'd rather not buy another 60 pounds.

[christyf5]

Originally Posted by Funkytone

Is there any risk to using all new saltwater?

No, but make sure the SG and temp are exact (or darn close). Its just that the used saltwater has already been conditioned/has various good bacteria in it etc. Might be a bit easier on corals and fish. You can always just acclimate corals/fish to the new water as well. Or you could go with using like 10-20% or something.

Originally Posted by Funkytone

Think the sand is bad even if its only 6 months old and looks pretty clean? I'd rather not buy another 60 pounds.

I'd put it in a bucket or two, fill with water, stir with your hand or a stick or something, get the crud to rise to the top, then pour off the water and repeat this as many times as it takes to get the water less murky looking. Odds are the water will be a disgusting greyish brown. Try to get it just light grey or white.

[Funkytone]

Originally Posted by christyf5

No, but make sure the SG and temp are exact (or darn close). Its just that the used saltwater has already been conditioned/has various good bacteria in it etc. Might be a bit easier on corals and fish. You can always just acclimate corals/fish to the new water as well. Or you could go with using like 10-20% or something.






I'd put it in a bucket or two, fill with water, stir with your hand or a stick or something, get the crud to rise to the top, then pour off the water and repeat this as many times as it takes to get the water less murky looking. Odds are the water will be a disgusting greyish brown. Try to get it just light grey or white.

Thanks Christy, great advice! I'm going to go with cleaning the sand to keep the budget down.