Need Advise I think I have Bio overload

[ChrisRD]

If you're referring to growing macro algaes for nutrient export, yes, it can be helpful in a situation like this. Personally, I'd prefer to have the tank setup to better remove the waste (ie. better protein skimmer, no coarse substrate collecting gunk, etc.) rather than store it and treat it in the system, but the macro thing is a useful method. As you said, it doesn't do anything for the fish-to-tank size problem though... :wink:

 

[BOSS252]

How large of tank could I change over to with out having to cycle the tank first? 90 galloon be ok to put every thing back in the same day?

 

[Anonymous]

How large of tank could I change over to with out having to cycle the tank first? 90 galloon be ok to put every thing back in the same day?

That really can't be answered with any surety. A lot depends on the live rock you have, how much die-off happens during the move, how long the 'good types of bacteria' take to colonize, etc.

To save my fingers from typing...here's a cut-in-paste text of my take on cycling from this thread...

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=63567

IME I think that the values you are seeing are a bit on the high side but if the rock was partially cured you could see an early nitrite to nitrate spike as there were existing nitrosomas bacteria in the rock. You do understand how the cycling process works, right? Simply put that there are several types of bacteria, and as those colonies grow the water values change.

Quickly: Ammonia (very toxic from decaying organic matter) is converted by the good bacteria into Nitrite (which is slightly less toxic but still bad juju).

Other good bacteria take over and convert the Nitrite to Nitrate which is the least toxic part of the whole process which can be diluted and exported from the tank (to a point) by water changes. Until those colonies of bacteria build up to process the loads your values are going to pop high like that.

Hope that helps...

 

[ChrisRD]

If you're taking rock out of an established tank, keeping it in the same system's water, and then reusing it in the new system, IME you generally won't see any significant "cycle" as there's usually not much die-off. It's a good idea to look the rock over when you pull it out though. If you have a lot of sponge growth, they can die-off and cause some trouble (although personally I've never had a problem with that). IMO, having a good skimmer running during all of this increases your safety margin in the event that there is some die-off.

As for the size system you can start-up, IMO you can pretty much setup whatever you want - the bioload in the next system will be the same (intially) as the old and you have enough rock to get started (again, IME). If the new system is going to be a lot larger, and therefore mostly new saltwater, I would acclimate the fish/corals gradually to avoid unnecessary stress. Eventually you'll probably want to add more live rock if the new system is significantly bigger - as always, just make sure the rock is well cured before you add it to an established system with fish/corals/inverts already in it.

JMO & HTH

 

[BOSS252]

Thank you all for your replys. I guess I have some work cut out for me. The new tank hunt is now on.

 

[Anonymous]

Good luck and BTW, welcome to RDO!

 

[BOSS252]

Thanks Lawdawg.

 

[Anonymous]

Where do you live, BOSS?

 

[Anonymous]

way too big of a bioload..and long term effects from territorial issues from the tangs alone will drive you nuts...I dont think Ill ever keep a tang again unless i have a 120g tank...Sucking out the junk and a phosphate sponge are very temporary and aggrevating fixes....Youll find either selling/getting rid of some livestock or upgrading the tank will be your best bet my .02cents

although a tad bit late :wink:

 

[BOSS252]

Chris I live in Quincy, Il

Thanks Lord I think you are right

 

[Anonymous]

Whoops...I missed that in an earlier post.

Good luck, BOSS!