General input about downsizing setup (1 Viewer)

[smootie]

I came to the realization recently that I should probably downsize my system. The display tank is only 75 gallons (so compared to some of your systems, it's already pretty small!). But I've been battling bad water chemistry and nuisance algae for awhile now, and a major reason for the headaches is my poor maintenance habits. With work, classes, many other hobbies, and my propensity for naps I don't spend as much time as I need to on my tank. Water changes feel like a huge chore and I'm tired of looking at a brown ugly tank all the time.

In the past I've had good success with smaller tanks (and I didn't find maintenance to be overwhelming), so I'm considering getting an Innovative Marine 40L AIO. I really love the look of shallow tanks and had an IM 25 AIO lagoon previously that I loved. I checked other manufacturers like Waterbox and Red Sea but didn't find any other lagoon kits/sets. If you have any suggestions for 30-40 gallon shallow setups I would love to know about them!

The new tank will need to go where my current tank is, so I need to think through the logistics of making the swap. I saw the recent MARSH threads about other folks moving/swapping their tanks, but one thing I'm concerned about is transferring any current sand/water to the new setup. I know it will help kickstart the cycle, but I don't want to perpetuate my current problems in the new tank.

Anyways, I'd appreciate any suggestions/comments/experiences you have about the downsizing. In the meantime, I'll search through the forums for how other people have handled this kind of thing in the past.

 

[decimal]

So… that’s a lot of stuff.

in regards to tank swap, you could try a grey brute bucket with wheels on the bottom and throw in a heater and pump. set it up as a seperate system and connect an ato (if you are busy and don’t want to mess replacing evaporation). You can toss the new, clean rock you want in the new system in there, add some ammonia to kickstart the cycle and follow instructions for brightwell microbacter start XLM or something like that. You will be able to transfer that to the new tank.

That would take care of starting a clean system.

You could follow the same process for breaking down the current tank and select what you want to keep but be aware that on top of a heater and pump, you will need decent light if you transfer LPS/SPS for them to survive any amount of time.

That could take care of separating what you want to keep so you can break down the current tank. It’s up to you how close to the new tank being ready that you want to start.

hope that helps a little

 

[Cody]

I came to the realization recently that I should probably downsize my system. The display tank is only 75 gallons (so compared to some of your systems, it's already pretty small!). But I've been battling bad water chemistry and nuisance algae for awhile now, and a major reason for the headaches is my poor maintenance habits. With work, classes, many other hobbies, and my propensity for naps I don't spend as much time as I need to on my tank. Water changes feel like a huge chore and I'm tired of looking at a brown ugly tank all the time.

In the past I've had good success with smaller tanks (and I didn't find maintenance to be overwhelming), so I'm considering getting an Innovative Marine 40L AIO. I really love the look of shallow tanks and had an IM 25 AIO lagoon previously that I loved. I checked other manufacturers like Waterbox and Red Sea but didn't find any other lagoon kits/sets. If you have any suggestions for 30-40 gallon shallow setups I would love to know about them!

The new tank will need to go where my current tank is, so I need to think through the logistics of making the swap. I saw the recent MARSH threads about other folks moving/swapping their tanks, but one thing I'm concerned about is transferring any current sand/water to the new setup. I know it will help kickstart the cycle, but I don't want to perpetuate my current problems in the new tank.

Anyways, I'd appreciate any suggestions/comments/experiences you have about the downsizing. In the meantime, I'll search through the forums for how other people have handled this kind of thing in the past.

Smootie!

So it sounds like you might be a little burned out on it. I've been doing this for about 15 years and I go through phases as well. The last year or two has been a burn out phase for me, but I've recently found some new challenges that peaked my interest, and I'm getting back into the fold. I would say that you should do what seems fun for you and that's about it. If a smaller tank would be fun, then go for it. If a new bigger build would be fun, then go for it.

If you do decide to downgrade, I would recommend keeping your current setup for a minute, if you have the space to store it properly. Interests come and go, and the resale value of aquarium equipment is generally pennies on the dollar. You might want to go larger in a year or two, and it would be nice to have the equipment around.

 

[Erin]

I agree with @decimal. Even if you come up with a plan to swap everything in one day, complications happen, and having a safe place for your livestock already available is the best choice.

As for the overall move, I strongly recommend using new sand in the new tank. The sand in your current tank is dirtier than you think, and for the time it would take to rinse it out to re-use, you're just better off buying new. If you have micro sand critters that you don't want to lose, you can always sift through the sand after your new tank is set up (toss it in a tote with some tank water and it will be fine for a few days).

Transferring water from the old tank to the new is not necessary. While you can certainly re-use some of the water, it doesn't contain much nitrifying bacteria - that's in the rocks and sand.

I suggest you choose the rocks you want to keep and plan to scrub them in old tank water to get the algae off. If no sensitive corals are attached, you can also spray H2O2 on the rocks and let sit for a few minutes before putting back into the tank. (You can do all this before the move and return them to your old tank if you want).

I'm happy to assist if you have any other questions... I just did a tank transfer myself. I also have a bunch of totes/containers if you need to borrow anything or want help with the actual move

 

[Erin]

P.S. I don't think it meets the requirements of a "shallow" tank, but I have a 32 gallon Biocube I'm thinking of getting rid of...

 

[Team Turtle]

I'd second Erin on the sand. Go new. Depending on your fish load the live rock will take care of the cycle. Remember we cycle surfaces not water. For tank recommendation. Budget friendly idea, 40 gallon breeder with an AIO kit. Requires a little silicone to keep in place but you can do so much with that foot print.

 

[Cody]

Although, when setting up new tanks, it's not a bad idea to reuse some old water. It doesn't contain the nitrifying bacteria, but it most certainly contains a lot of other goodies, including nitrates and phosphates. Definitely not 100% of the old water, but some.