How to do a tank upgrade when using the same space?

[GoBigGuy]

Hi All,

Planning on upgrading my 90gal to a 150gal but the problem is that the new tank will be going into the same spot that the old tank is now. How do you start your new build with your old tank filled with fish and corals?

Wife asked this question and I wasn't sure how to answer it

 

[Usingthejohn]

Drain everything into smaller tanks or trash cans that can either be moved aside or maneuvered around. Remove old setup and replace with the new one.

The reverse the first sentence.

 

[Six2seven]

Drain enough wAter to make it light enough to slide the old one just out of place. Return the water back in and now you will have your 90g set up just out of the way. Set up the new tank and tank transfer will be a sinch after that.

 

[Emac909]

I say buy one of the white bins James (AquaticLife) is selling. Set it up in the same room or next room over. Drain the water from your 90 into the bin. While the tank is draining start putting your live stock into the bin. Make sure a shake as much detritus out of the rocks while your pulling them out of the 90. When u have about 3" left stop draining it so that detritus can settle. Then catch your fish if still needed to. Then empty the tank the rest of the way but don't save the water just dump all that crap. I wouldn't even save the sand. Maybe just a few cups just to seed the new sand. Move the old tank out and setup new one.
This is how I did my 180 to 300 swap in one day.
Pretty much by my self. I just had a few guys to help me move the tanks. But I would hold off on putting the live stock into the new tank until u get a perimeters set. And by saving and reusing your old tank water u limit the chances of having a cycle. I never had a cycle when did my tank transfer. But I did use bacteria to.

 

[Fly5150]

^^^^i agree. A Titan bin would work great.

 

[Wilk]

Agreed with emac. Keep the water and live rock and ditch the sand. Add new sand and a bottle of bacteria. I did this with my 50 > 150 upgrade and didn't loose any fish or corals. Did it during a move. No cycle at all.

 

[jeffreylam1132]

How attached are you with the fish and corals? If not really, I say best route would be is to sell off all your livestock and start fresh. That way you can take your time, plan your new tank with the right equipment needed and not worrying about trying to keep your livestock alive.

 

[Milmikee]

I used brute trash cans to hold the water during a change out. Then used them for holding ro water afterwards.

 

[coralcrazy]

I just did this about 6 months ago. I took all the corals out and put them in brute storage containers with tank water. I drained the tank to keep about 8 inches of water in the tank then slide it out of the way. I setup the new one and moved everything over. I did the same exact upgrade and it worked for me. Pre-plumb as much as you can on the new tank and start early in the day.