AudiPower

I have had my 30 gallon setup for a couple months now. I have got a few fish and some inverts as well as some softie corals. I just bought a used 150 gallon, with all of its running gear and sump setup, plus all of its life. The life involved with the 150 is a lot of inverts, coral, and live rock. I am trying to figure out how to move it all and keep it alive. I can't practically move 150 gallons of water, so looks like I will have to make new water. Is there a way I can speed up the cycle? I only have a couple fish that i will transfer from the 30 into the 150 gallon tank, I can't imagine the ammonia would build up all that fast. How long do I have to wait to put in just 4 fish? Shouldn't the cycle keep up with that amount without crashing? There is 180 pounds of live rock coming with the tank too, plus some more corals. I will be keeping the live rock and corals in rubbermade totes with a powerhead and heater until the tank is good to go. It was one thing building up my little 30, trying to move this 150 with all of its life in tact is going to drive me crazy. Any pointers? Anyone done this that can offer some advice? thanks

leelum9

you want to keep as much water as possible...but if it is an established tank there shouldnt be much worry about a crash... 150 gallons is a hard one to transfer but best idea is to rubbermaid as much water with the rock and coral as you can... the tote though may be too heavy with alot of water....5 gallon pails work well not too much weight and enough water...the tank for transport should have enough water to still cover the sand by an inch or so..it will help keep the tank fully alive and stay away from a crash... the resetup should be fairly simple get alot of water back in and acclimate for reentry. the hardest part is setting up and doing the move. alot of the water space is going to be your live rock.. it probably only has 130- 140 gallons of water...and if you can make it home with 75 to 100 gallns you wont have a problem...it is just a decent water change