Upgrading tank

Question
Hey Tyler! I found yet another great deal on Craigslist (before I found the 90 gallon for $50!). 29 gallon with stand, hood, and lights (80 bucks!). My current 18 gallon has live sand, 12 pounds of live rock, 5-10 lbs of base rock, one lawnmower blenny, 2 firefish, 5 snails, 3 hermits, one tiny brittle star hitch hiker, one fromia star, and about ten hitch hiker stomatella snails. What is the best way to transfer everything to the new tank? I was thinking about half new water, half old water. Then I would somehow get most of the sand (dixie cup?) into the 29, then get more live rock, and finally do the transfer of my livestock. Any hints, tips, or suggestions? Thanks!

Answer
Hey Emily

youve got it. half new water, half old water. with the sand, try to always make it submerged during the transfer, if the sand even hits the air for a nano micro second, you will get die off that produces ammonia. after the water and sand are in, put the rock in and livestock like you said.

Try to keep the live rock submerged always also, like the sand it will experience die off right when it hits the air. If you keep the rock and sand always submerged, you shouldnt get a ammonia spike. still monitor the parameters though for any other parameter spikes.

congrats on the new tank and good luck!