This may sound dumb but here I go. If i want to move my 50 gallon, do I need to completely break it down?
I say no, simply take out as much as you can where's its moveable, remembering to keep this quick and all live rock and creaters in an equal enviroment,then put everything back in. I would use the opportunity to put in new substrate and you could create a cycle if you let your rock or substrate sit stagnant or out of water even if the time is brief. Just my two cents
Great Thanks! While I have your attention Is it true that live rock and substrate need to be changed/ added to yearly? I have read this on other forums. Terrie Hawkins
Many thought here; lots of people with Nano tanks change theirs out evey year, others don't even use substrate. I have only changed mine out with a move or breakdown. Rock doesn't go bad in a healthy tank, but I have read that over time you may lose some of the important bacteria or that your rock is dominated by just a couple of types of bacteria which may not be giving you the full benefits. I have read of some changing out a portion of their rock in their sumps yearly to make sure this is not an issue. I would cerntainly do that if cost was not an issue.
Hiya, I just upgraded to a 75...I moved my water and rock only. I failed to make sure my tank water was in balance before I moved all my water. Now I'm battling a new cycle and getting my water in balance. So, I'd advise you to check your water before you move it. If it's out of balance, don't move your water, just your rock. Kim/Benton, AR