Small upgrade to new tank. I have couple of question.

[marcosnano]

Hello reefers,

I'm doing a small upgrade, nothing much, from 12G to 22G. Right now can't do bigger upgrade due to space I'm live in so I will be happy with this upgrade to.

1) I have cycled rocks, filter media etc, If I move it to the new tank, do I need to start over with cycling, will I have another ugly phase will algae etc?

2) What should I do with sand, should I use new one?

If you have any tips, let me know. Thanks.

 

[Hooz]

1. No. There may be a small cycle and maybe another small ugly phase, but if you're using established media and rocks, it should be very slight (if at all).

2. Get new sand for the new tank. The potential for issues stirring up and transferring the sand isn't worth the hassle, and new sand isn't a major cost hurdle.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hello reefers,

I'm doing a small upgrade, nothing much, from 12G to 22G. Right now can't do bigger upgrade due to space I'm live in so I will be happy with this upgrade to.

1) I have cycled rocks, filter media etc, If I move it to the new tank, do I need to start over with cycling, will I have another ugly phase will algae etc?

2) What should I do with sand, should I use new one?

If you have any tips, let me know. Thanks.

Starting cycle all over wont be necessary but do add denitrifying bacteria such as MicroBacter XLM
You can rinse sand but I recommend going with new aragalive sand

 

[marcosnano]

1. No. There may be a small cycle and maybe another small ugly phase, but if you're using established media and rocks, it should be very slight (if at all).

2. Get new sand for the new tank. The potential for issues stirring up and transferring the sand isn't worth the hassle, and new sand isn't a major cost hurdle.

Thank you.

Now is the time to think should I go with other substrate. What about crushed coral, what are the advantages, which one is more clean and easier to maintain?

 

[marcosnano]

Starting cycle all over wont be necessary but do add denitrifying bacteria such as MicroBacter XLM
You can rinse sand but I recommend going with new aragalive sand

Thanks. How many pounds of rock should 22G have?

 

[Hooz]

Thank you.

Now is the time to think should I go with other substrate. What about crushed coral, what are the advantages, which one is more clean and easier to maintain?

I used Ocean Direct on my last build, and I can't see myself using anything else from here out. It's a mix of grain sizes, and has worked well for me so far, even with a decent amount of flow.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thanks. How many pounds of rock should 22G have?

12-15 pounds should be sufficient but as high as 20#

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thank you.

Now is the time to think should I go with other substrate. What about crushed coral, what are the advantages, which one is more clean and easier to maintain?

The issue with crushed coral which I used a couple of decades ago is how it packs itself and not favorable for bottom dwellers especially watchman gobies but does look natural