Transfering to New Tank

grasshoppa · 10-29-2003, 03:09 AM

Hello,

I am moving, and would like to upgrade at the same time. I am in a 12g now and want a reg 20g for the new space I have.

But, what is the best way to add new sand and LR, since the new tank is bigger?

Also, I'd like any suggestions for a backpak style filter/skimmer...

I have a LOAD of white micro-stars and pods.... what new fishies would love to eat those???

many thanks for your help!

Ghoppa

Ray1214 · 10-29-2003, 08:11 AM

I am assuming you are talking about 20 gal long as a regular 20 gal or a 20 gal high. Either way, I would add new sand on the bottom of the tank first. I personally like to take eggcrate and lay it on the bottom. (I guess I dont' like the thought of rock on bare glass). Setup my live rock, then put in the sand. Since you have cycled rock and good quality live sand, I would have the live sand covering over the new sand. If you go the other way, you can cycle your tank again.
I personally would wait just a bit prior to adding more live rock. Just see if your tank cycles, unless it is already cycled live rock. If not you may wipe whatever you have in the 12 gal. (I am assuming you have corals and fish).
Backpak style filter/skimmer. I would hazard a guess that most responses will probably be the CPR BackPak. I have never used one preferring in-sump designs, but they and the Aquarium Systems Seaclone skimmer seems to be the most popular. I have used a seaclone and was generally pleased with it even if it did seem a might tempermental. There is a another brand called the Prizm. I don't really like them for skimming. They do skim but you have to adjust them constantly. The cpr backpak is the only filter skimmer combo I would even consider as I have had skilters as a piece of junk.

reiple · 10-29-2003, 08:31 AM

i agree. live sand should be placed over inert/ordinary sand never the other way around.

EdgeKrusher · 10-29-2003, 09:08 AM

i have the CPR bakpak IIR. It's the reef ready version that doesn't have the bio-bales. It works well though you may want to switch the Rio pump out with a MaxiJet 1200. I haven't done this yet but that's my next purchase. The Rio pump is loud, and I've hear they may explode or start on fire, so it's gone as soon as I can afford the MJ1200.

grasshoppa · 10-29-2003, 01:49 PM

Thanks everyone for your reply. It is very useful info to prepare me for the change.

I haven't bought the new tank yet, but I believe a 20L is the right one for the space.

Does it matter how much new sand is added? I want a considerable "bed" but, don't want to upset the bio-sys in there now. In the 12g I have about 2 inches, but want to go to 3-4 inches on the new one, which means adding at least a 20lb bag or so. What do you guys think? good/bad?

The last question would be, what predator species likes to eat micro starfish? My population is exploding! I was thinking a blenny or similar fish...

thanks for your wisdom.

Ray1214 · 10-29-2003, 04:40 PM

I would go with a minium of 5-6 inches since aragonite sand has a half life of about 1 inch per year. You need at least 3 inches for to function well aneorobically (sp)as a dsb.. However since you have a realitivly shallow tank, probably 4-5 inches will do. 2 inches is not enough IMHO to do any good.
I like microstarfish but any carnovor will make short work. My green chromis has been seen picking one up. I think once you add a fish it will really really subside but I may be wrong.

Ray