how do I upgrade from a 55 gallon fish only tank to a 125 gallon reef tank?

Question

I currently have a fish only 55 gallon fish tank and a buying a new 125 gallon tank and want to add live rock to it. I dont know the steps to take in adding the live rock to the 125 gallon tank and adding the fish. The fish are all reef safe, but dont know how to add them into the 125 gallon tank with out killing them. I definately want live rock in the bigger tank and would not like to lose the fish in my tank currently that is only 55 gallons. Help me!!!!!!!

Answer 1

You could just run both tanks for a while.

If you've been successful in keeping your 55 gallon salt tank, you'll already have some of the basics down. It's important that you remember that live rock, even the "cured" stuff may have some die-off at first. Since this will add to the ammonia and nitrites in the tank, it would be better for your fish to remain in their present home until the new tank cycles. Use a saltwater test kit to monitor ammonia and nitirites in the new tank - ideally you'd want the ammonia and nitrite to be zero before adding your fish, and start with the hardiest (and peaceful) fish first and add the others over a period of time.

If you want the new tank where the present tank is located, is there somewhere you could move the present tank temporarily? Take out the fish (bag them in gallon ziplocs or get a few empty bags from your fish store), take out as much of the water as possible and keep it in clean 5 gallon buckets/large Rubbermaid storage boxes, etc. - it's not necessary to store all the water - you can do this at the same time as a scheduled water change.

You can also use your current substrate to "seed" the new tank, and/or some of the old media from your filter, although there should be bacteria in the new live rock - it all depends on how well it's kept moist during shipping and moving from the store/distributor to your tank.

Answer 2

First, buy a bigger tank. Add what you want to the new tank, and then add treated water for your area. It should be the same ph balance as your current tank. Then "float" the fish into the new tank much like when you first buy fish and float the bag in the new water....get them aclimated before introducing them immediately into new waters. Check with your pet store for any "medicines" that you might need to have on hand to help them adapt.