Help! moving new tank to old tank's location in apartment?

[Klgocke]

Here is a bit of background to my problem:

Current setup is a 26g bowfront reef. This was my first reef tank and I have been wanting something a bit larger, but still small enough for an apartment. I found a great deal from someone getting out of the hobby in my area. This includes a 50g tank with overflow box and sump (along with canopy, stand and lights). I would be setting this up as a reef tank as well. The guy who sold it to me left the live rock rubble and the sand in the sump, with just enough water to cover them, to help me start up the tank.

Here are my questions:

1. I would not be able to set up this tank until after Christmas due to lack of money (poor grad student). How long is the "shelf-life" of the stuff in the sump? Would I be able to keep it (the rubble and sand) in there until then and then move my current tank inhabitants into the larger tank or would there be a die off? I have never had a sump before and cant find anything on this forum to answer this type of question.

2. Since Im in an apartment, space is very limited. The spot where my current tank is, is the only place to have this new larger tank. What would be the best way to move all inhabitants from the 26g to the 50g and switch the tanks as well?

Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Kelsey

 

[Len]

If you can provide the sump circulation with some cheap powerheads, maintain temp with a cheap heater, and make sure the salinity is correct, you can keep the rocks/sand in there indefinitely. Some things will die off, but most will survive and rebound.

Best way to move IMO is to get a big rubbermaid container. Drain/siphon some of the 26 gallon water into the container until it is 2/3rd full. Remove all the 26g tank's inhabitants to the container, then proceed to take down the 26 gallon. Put the 50 gallon in its place, fill with saltwater (about 2/3rds), then add the animals from the rubbermaid container to the new 50 gallon. Top off the new tank with the old tank water in the rubbermaid. This old water will help season the new tank and minimize shock.

 

[Len]

BTW :welcome:

 

[Klgocke]

Thank you so much! That makes pretty good sense. I have a few powerheads leftover from recently upgrading. Hopefully all will go well with the switch when its time.