How hard to switch tanks?

I was just wondering how hard would it be to switch a 2 month old 36 gallons bowfront tank to a 46 gallon bowfront tank? Any tips or pointers would be helpful. Thanks

 

if the tanks are in the same room or same house - then you work is made very easy.

If the tank is in another location all together - it is still very possible but there is a lot more planning that has to occur first.

So to start you in the right direction let us know how far apart the tanks are . . .

 

It would be going on the very same stand the 36 gallon is on. I've been fighting with the idea. Cause the 36 is 30" and the 46 is 36" . I'm gonna soon buy a awuaticlife t5. The 30" had 24" 24 watt bulbs and the 36" has 36" 39 watt bulbs and the 36" is only 10 bucks more. So the 36" just sounds like a better light. Plus my stand is made for a 46 gallons bowfront . So it would also be nice to use the whole stand lol.

 

Easy to do. I’d use a large plastic bin or two – move everything to the bins and then switch the tanks. You should use a heater and a pump as the inhabitants may be there for several hours while you set up the new tank. You will want to let the water settle out before adding the fish and corals back.

This tanks isn’t that old so you won’t have too much trouble with dirty sand.

 

Plan plan plan.... know exactly what you are going to do and in what order. Do a dry run. Adjust plan if needed.
Since this going in the same place you need temporary containers for everything. Rubbermaid tubs are cheap and work well. Keep as much water as possible out of the old tank. Keep your rocks fully submerged and to temp the best you can. Your sand is still very new, you probably do not need to rinse it, but I would.

Take a look at my build thread to get a decent understanding of what I did.

 

So pretty much put all the rocks in buckets then fill with tank water. Should a pump and heater be in with the live rock? Put the fish and other inhabitants in another bucket with heater and pump. Then empty the rest of the water into buckets untill tank is able to be lifted. Then move tank and place new tank on stand. The scoop the sand out and place in new tank and then try and siphon the rest of the water and sand into new tank. Place live rock back and the rest of the water then top off with 10 more gallons of new saltwater then let settle for a few hours then put fish back? Thats the idea i had but i just wanted to make sure that the fish wouldn't be hurt with the move and the adding of 10 new gallons of water. That wouldn't cause a new cycle would it? Oh and i have 42lbs of live rock and 40lbs of live sand. How much more of each do you think i would need for the 46 gallon? Sorry for all the questions. I just don't wanna mess anything up with everything going so well so far with the 36 gallon. I just wanna try and make the switch before i start with any coral.

 

The message above said it all ... plan !

You can do a water change and save the old water and use it for the additional water needed. Have RO/DI on hand for a water change if needed. Search this forum for "moving tank" threads and you will learn from others. It's really not a big deal if you do your homework and prepare.

No, the addition of 10 new gallons would not cause a cycle - but I'd still suggest a water change and keep the old water and use it.

Edit - should have mentioned, have a friend help - an extra pair of hands come in handy !!

 

Thanks everyone. So the last question will now be.. If it was you guys. Would you bother with the switch or would you just stick with the 36 gallon?

 

I'd switch to a 180 or 220 bigger is always better - upgrade my friend !

 

I wish! lol. But i only have space for something that would fit on the stand and as i said it's a stand made for a 46 gallon so that's about the best i can do till i move outta the apt. and into a house. Plus i don't wanna start something huge and then have to move it. When i have the house then i know it'll stay put.