Upgrading tank. How to switch tanks in same location?

Sounds like you have a 60g sump already! ;D

 

You can do it that way if you want to take the extra time acclimating all your livestock. The idea is to make the new water match the old so you can skip that step and just drop everything in.

 

I have em! A large 100g stock tank, A shallow 50g stock tank, a 50g plastic bin, a 40b, and a 55g- all empry and waiting.
Problem now is, My May weekends are all booked working, sailing, or family trips. Have to start looking at June.
I already figured I"m not going to mave the Maple out shell I already have cut trimmed out and stained. So if I get the tranfer done, then it will motivate me to finish the outer/show part.

I plan on some reefer friends, pizza, snacks and beer!


Apologize for the hijack

 

I'll be pulling the trigger on this tomorrow. Going to get a 90 gallon. Part if me wonders if I should just get a 120 and save money and time down the road. But seems like 120 is the cut off line for equipment.


Here is my question. Again I need to put the new 90 in same location as current 60. I'll need a sump because I run a cansister. There is no way to cycle a new tank and sump in a day. Worried I'll lose my fish. I'll use new sand but comments here suggest using same water just adding the difference if new water. Am I ok? I'll probably keep canister running since it has the good bacteria in it.

 

Follow up. I'm really nervous about this switch. Seems like it's common to upgrade in same location. Already good advice but if anyone has a good plan or advice to add to posts already I'd appreciate it.

Also I need to make sure there is a built in overflow in tank right? Because if not I'll have to buy one and add onto tank correct? For some reason I don't think tanks at LFS have the built in overflow. Big deal?

I'm nervous but really want to get a bigger that.
Thanks guys.

 

Since you're debating the 120, might as well get it. You'll never be fully satisfied with the 90.

Most of your bacteria are on the rocks. You will lose a small portion from the sand, glass, etc., but it's really no big deal. Just feed lightly for a few days and you'll be fine.

For a tank that size, I would recommend buying one with a built-in overflow. If your LFS doesn't keep them in stock, they will order one for you (pretty lame if they won't). Second best option is drill the tank and install one. A HOB overflow would work, but since you're starting with an empty tank, I'd take the extra time to do it right. You'll thank yourself later.

 

Great advice. Thank you for your post.
At local orchard with kids. Plan was to hit LFS towards end of day but I'm running out of time

 

Bought my reef ready 90g tank yesterday. My wife is P#SSED over the cost. $450 tank and stand but needed canopy so over $500. That's a lot of money for a fish tank when you're right on cash. Especially when I already have a 60g. Still need a sump and pump. Ugh. Hoping she settles because really want to keep it.
Happy wife happy life.

For some reason have a lot of anxiety over this switch.

 

Congrats on the new tank.

I just swapped my 55 gal for a 75 gal over the weekend. I did it almost the same way Mr Bill stated and it went very smoothly. Make sure you have everything planned out before you start and it will go just as easy for you.

Now that you have a new tank I know you want to get it set up asap, but there is nothing wrong with taking your time. I don't know if you could cap off the plumbing on the 90 gal and add a sump later or not, but it might something to look in to. For a sump you could look for a cheap 29 gal on craigslist, or wait for Petco to have their $1 per gallon sale and pick up a 29 there.