If I switch my 20 L to a 20 H

[NogaroBlueS4]

If the sand and rock aren't out of the water for more than 20 or 30 seconds?

 

What I plan on doing:

 

Scooping out sand and water in cups.

Transferring half of the water to the new tank.

Transfer Rock.

Transfer Fish.

Transfer whatever is left in 20 L.

[SaltWaterNewb]

If the stuff in the old tank is cure and you don't have it out of water more than a couple minutes there should not be a cycle. It is possible though that by disturbing the old sand it could kick up some nasties that could possibly create a cycle. Depends on how deep it is and how old it is.

[NogaroBlueS4]

about 1 inch deep maybe 3/4 and like 5 1/2 months old.

[dsoz]

I have moved my tank several times over the past year, and there is usually no problem with ammonia or nitrites for the days following the move (I check). There have even been times when the rock was in a bucket (no water), for close to 20-30 minutes and still no mini-cycle. All the hype about rock that is allowed to be in the air for more than a few minutes may not be as big of deal as some make it out to be.

 

It used to be thought that coral should not be exposed to air. Then people started looking at reefs at low tide, and they corals are stuck out in the burning sun for hours at a time each day for part of the month. That myth was busted, but people still insist that corals should be bagged underwater.

 

Why switch to a 20H from a 20L? I would think that the shorter water column on the long would be better for light penetration. Unless you have MH light (or really good T5).

 

dsoz

[NogaroBlueS4]

Well I know , I love the long but..... The 20 H has a black back, and a matching stand, granted the 20 L is perfect as it is now, just needs a little bit more love, I thinking of getting a small protein skimmer.

[Mr. Fosi]

I made the same switch and my tank cycled. I didn't see anything on the test kits, but there was plenty of evidence of cycling exhibited by my livestock.

[NogaroBlueS4]

Will everything be safe if it happens??? I really want to do this, I'll post pics up of what the tank will look like, I really like the look.

[Mr. Fosi]

Will everything be safe if it happens???

 

Can't say. You can mitigate some of the effects using soft-cycling techniques.

[J-Bass]

I've been through both sizes of tanks. I love the length and height of the 20H but hate the depth(only 12" ). You usually end up with just a rock wall.

[NogaroBlueS4]

Hmm sounds dangerous. If I had the time, space, and money to start up a 2nd tank I would. I am halfway there already. I have some ideas for the new rock layout with what I have and they seem good in my head.

[J-Bass]

Sounds good my brotha'. If only they made them deeper like 15"-16" then it would be killa' for some cool aquascapin' my brotha' man.

[NogaroBlueS4]

Yeah I think I am going to do the swap this weekend, I am just figuring out what I want to do for light, I have a 30" 1x65 coralife PC. I thinking of either the same in a 24" or maybe a 24" JEBO since Mr. Fosi says they aren't that bad. I don't know if I want to make the switch to MH but it would look awesome with a black back. I think I will also be upgrading my koralia nanos to 1s and selling the 30" and Nanos. Any ideas for lighting? I think will be adding an aquac remora as well.

[NogaroBlueS4]

Well I did it, I don't quite know or why but I think it will look better in the end. It took about 45 mins. The sand never left the water and the rock never was out of water for more than 3 seconds tops. I also saw some creatures I wasn't aware were even in my tank. The waters cloudy now, I'll have to aquascape when it clears up. But I am pretty sure everything survived I can see my clown and blenny swimming around as usual. I will probably check levels after it clears up and do a water change for safe measures.

[mrbigshot]

if its a new tank you might get a diatom bloom from all the silicates. if its an old tank and you didnt seal it i would say not much will happen. your sand bed will have to reistablish itsself now that it has been mixed up.

[EnjoiFish]

Pictures?

 

I have a 20H that's been collecting dust. I originally got for spawning scooters. I had a pair in a shorter tank and whenever they did their mating dance, they would swim up to the surface and break away. Unfortunately, I no longer have them and I am at a loss as to what to do with the tank now. I'm interested to see how you setup yours.

[NogaroBlueS4]

FROM NOW ON EVERYONE CHECK OUT MY SIGNATURE IT HAS THE LINK TO THE NEW TOPIC ON MY TANK!