Upgrade to a new tank

[seahorse]

I intend to upgrade my current tank 3ft x 16" x 16" to 5ft x 2 x 2. But need

advise from you guys as I am new to marine. Fyi mine is the mainly reef

tank.

Tank

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- 10mm think glass okay?

- currently using a canister for my 3ft so intend to do IOS for the new

tank + the current canister.What should I put in the IOS? Bio balls

okay? Do not intend to put thick sand bed for my tank...

- current have a 70W MH and 2 x 36W FL so intend to add one more MH

plus 4x36W blue lights. How many Watts of MH shld I get for the other

and is the lights enough? (I do keep clams...)

- Currently my light is on for 10hrs for MH and 12 hrs for 2x blue FL

Transfer of fishes,corals and live rocks

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- When tank is up believe I need to transfer my live rocks to the new tank

for cycle. How long is recommended? Or do I need to cycle as I am using

back my current tank live rocks and seawater. But I still need to top up

some live rocks and seawater.

- Can I transfer my corals when tank is still cycle stage? I think no (asking

stupid question )

[clowntrigger]

Seahouse, my advise is to get a 12mm glass tank, with overflow and a sump. You can't put too much stuff in the IOS, that is my opinion.

[Phang]

Seahorse,

Clowntrigger's right... tanks at 5 ft should go with 12mm glass.... most tankmakers would recommend that... and if IOS means Inbuilt overflow system/sump... then should utilise a external sump with overflow as recommended by Clowntrigger.... more space and more water volume...

BTW... if you are going for a 5 footer... think a 70W is too weak... for tanks with 2 ft depth, many advocate the usage of 250W... some reefers even suggest 400Ws....

And you would require 3 at least... if you want a even spread....

Regarding the cycling of tank.... if your stuff has already been cycled in your current setup and you intend to use them for your new setup... should not be a issue as there would not be much die-offs...

For addition of additional Liverocks, suggest cycling and testing of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels...

Your addition of Liverocks/sand from previous setup should be a good seeding, therefore speeding up the cycling process...

[seahorse]

Many Thanks for yr the reply. Would go with 12mm glass. As for the MH,

$$$ tight leh..... I thought of add one more 150W + the 70W currently

using. Now I will need to buy one more 250W MH.

How abt transfer of corals,fishes and cycle of tank?

[Phang]

I think if you go to the right source, 250Ws MHs are pretty accessible in regards to pricing wise.....

especially if you do a little DIY yourself...

[seahorse]

Yes you are right and have decided to go for 250W MH. Will check the

price and compare to DIY MH

The last time I check for 150W is S$150.

Many thanks