New Tank

[stumpy08]

I have been into salt water fish since 2003. I only have a 30 gallon with 3 fish. I have always wanted a larger tank but have been staisfied with the 30.
Yesterday, a friend of mine gave me a 54 gallon corner tank with stand! My wife and I have always wanted a corner tank so this is like a dream come true. My filter, skimmer and uv filter are all ok to use on the new tank. I will be getting a larger heater though.
The hard part will be the transisition from one tank to the other. I plan on taking most of a Saturday to do this. I am going to pick up extra sand, the heater and start making 24 more gallons of salt water in the next day or so.
Any suggestions to make the switch easier would be much appreciated!

[leshampton]

If it were me, I would fill the new tank with water and sand first. If you have any rock from the small tank I would put a couple of pieces in or scoop some sand out of the small tank to seed the bigger one. I would then let it cycle through so you don't hurt your fish. I wouldn't make it a one day process. That's just how I would do it though.

[RoGeTa]

I don't know how everyone else does it, but I did it all in one day as well. I went from a 55 to a 115. I cured live rock that I mail ordered, used the live rock from my 55, used all new caribsea fiji pink sand, and as much of my old tak water as I could. about 30 gallons. The other 60 gallons was brand new. I didn't have a cycle, and everything survived the tranistion. Its hectic, but it worked for me.

To make matters worse, My new tank had to go in the same spot as my old tank! :S

[Zestay]

i also agree with leshamptom i would set up a new tank as much as you can with out having to buy double equipment and than move the livestock over after everything is up and running.

[stumpy08]

I am moving the new tank exactly where the old one is sitting. That's why I have to make the move all at the same time.