Adding new live rock to existing tank

[Kgrizzle]

I have a 30 gallon reef tank and have just purchased a 72 gallon system that was running for 5 years.

I want to take everything in my 30 gallon and transfer it into the 72. Live rock, coral and fish to move. The 72 has no fish or coral in it currently as I sold the fish that came with the purchase.

What would be the best method of doing this?

... I thought that if I add the corals to the 72 with the fish slowly not much would happen as it would be like purchasing new pieces ... But when I add the rock from the 30 gallon there would be some sorta nitrate spike or something

[AquaPin]

I did a similar upgrade several months ago. I just merged the two setups into the 65G immediately and had no issues. All the livestock did great...as long as both systems are stable, I can not see the need to slowly add items.

Jason

[Kgrizzle]

How much rock and livestock did u move over... I have about 45lbs of rock, 2 clowns and a damsel, torch, hammer, zoas, some acans, and an spa that I'm not sure the type

[reefgirl189]

I added about 40 lbs of LR to my existing 180 a few months back. No issues at all, other than the fact that I was an idiot and didn't notice a few vermitid snails and now the entire tank is littered with them.

[FitoPharmer]

I agree with AquaPin. If both systems test stable then just make sure the SG matches on both tanks and transfer your LR. You may want to acclimate your corals or other livestock as if you were buying it from a LFS.

[Kgrizzle]

Awesome thanks everyone... I'll take pictures and add them and keep you informed how things go

[Kgrizzle]

30 gal before move



72 before move(older pic)



72 after move

[coolhandgoose]

Looks like mission accomplished!

[Kgrizzle]

Next thing is to keep my fingers crossed nothing was too stressed