Rookie upgrade here

[gregzz4]

Thanks for clarifying that Raied

[Dearth]

I currently run a 33 gallon tank that I love but will eventually upgrade it.

Things to remember with smaller tanks
-definitely cheaper to run than larger more complex tanks
-don't require a sump system can get away with hang off the back skimmer
-get crowded with equipment real fast
-depending on what you want in both critters and fish creativity is name of the game
-require frequent top ups due to evaporation loss(I top mine up 3 times a week in between weekly water changes)
- if something's goes wrong things will tend to go bad real fast (fish dying, coral dying)
- depending on your bio load might have to do daily cleaning of tank glass(I have a heavy load 7 fish 2 peppermint shrimp and lots of CUC spend about 10 mins a day cleaning glass and skimmer box)
-limited to the size of fish and types of fish you can get especially where aggression issues come into play
-same goes for corals
-tank parameters can be more difficult to maintain although I haven't had any serious issues on that end with my tank

Whatever you decide to get enjoy it don't have regrets as regrets tend to empty your wallet real fast

[colette39]

Well we just bought a brand new 45 gallon tank. It 36x12x24. Now I've got it filled with live sand and 25lbs of live rock from a established tank. The waters murky now. I've got a heater in it and a powerhead and the t8 light. Should I have the powerhead and light on? Or wait till it clears up? Also how will i go about transfering the sand and rock from the 10g?

And for fish we want - the 2 damsels, the goby, the pistol, 2 clowns and a flame hawkfish.

And thanks for all the info in upgrading.

[gregzz4]

I'd suggest keeping the lights off for now, or you'll just fight algae
Also, keep your pumps and powerheads off until the sand settles, to avoid unnecessary wear

If you want to add critters right away, I wouldn't transfer the old sand, unless you wash it 'very well', but the amount in a 10g is not worth saving, IMO
If you transfer the sand, even though you want the life, you may have an issue or 2

But, with that in mind, if you don't plan on adding any 'critters' for a bit, until after your new tank cycles, go ahead and transfer the sand and LR now
Then go through the regular cycle testing;
NH3, NO2, NO3

[colette39]

The live rock is in the tank with the fish we have, can I have the fish in the tank without live rock and transfer it all over then the fish when the tank cycles?

[mrhasan]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Thanks for clarifying that Raied

Oh no worries I do miss use sentences sometimes