Changing Tanks, Live rock ???

My first post!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got the go ahead to upgrade from my 55gal to a 180... I've been lurking here for a while, doing a lot of research for this tank and I've answered a lot of questions just by searching.
I ordered 100lbs of reef saver rock from BRS and I probably have around 70 lbs. of live rock that's covered in coralline in my 55 now. What would be the best way to introduce the reef saver and my rock to the new tank?
Thanks, Joe.

 

welcome to participation on 3 reef , painterjoe

if you are able to set up the 180, whilst the 55 is still running (tank in different location )
then that is the easiest IME

you set the 180 up, with the reefsaver rock, allow it to cycle using the raw shrimp, or bottled bacteria method (both work) and then gradually introduce your live stock from the 55 into the 180 over a period of a few weeks (same as you would with a new set up)

if the new tank is going to be put in same location as existing tank
you can do as follows

move the contents of the 55 into storage contianers / brute tubs etc
my preference is
prior to upgrade make up to 140 gallons of water ( you can do this in the new tank if it is to be located in another spot in the home)
syphon out as much water as possible from the 55 without disturbing anything
as water lowers leave a few inches for fish etc
remove the rock, and place it in the clean water in holding tubs
net the fish, and place them in holding tubs
leave the last couple of inches of water and sand bed , and throw that away

gradually add the mature saved water to the 140 gallons of new water in the 180
as water level lowers, start removing and placing in 180, the live rock you had in containers
once all rock is in there and water level is full
add the fish to the new set up

as you will have exactly the same of rock you had in the 55, you will still have exactly what you need in terms of biological filtration

thus no issues on cycling etc ( as the bioload and the biological capacity will be the same, just in a larger location)


thus once moved over, the trick then is to not rush to fill the 180 with new stock
you need to increase bioload gradually, in order more bacteria develops and colonizes the new rockwork etc (becomes live rock)

Steve

 

Thanks Steve,
That helps a lot. Fortunately the new tank will be in a different spot and I'm in no rush.
And thanks for the welcome.