Replacing aquascape with new rock. Thoughts?

[RiverChad]

Hi, so my system is 3 years old. I'm getting really tired of my current aquascape and was thinking of building a new one and cycling it in a brute trashcan after I glue it all together. If anyone has done this is there any tips or tricks you can pass along? How long should I cycle the new scape before throwing it in the display? Is there any risk of a tank crash if I remove my current aquascape?
Also is there any parameters I should maintain in the brute trashcan while the rock cycles? I know parameters will drop on their own but is maintaining them any benefit to the cycling process or bacteria that will be growing on the rock? Thanks

 

[mjszos]

I'm not sure if this is possible, but are you able to instead keep the rock in your sump, then slowly replace the pieces in the display over time?

 

[RiverChad]

Unfortunately I don't have a sump, I'm using a 38 aio peninsula by water box. Given your answer I'm going to assume this is a bad idea?

 

[beehave6301]

Hi, so my system is 3 years old. I'm getting really tired of my current aquascape and was thinking of building a new one and cycling it in a brute trashcan after I glue it all together. If anyone has done this is there any tips or tricks you can pass along? How long should I cycle the new scape before throwing it in the display? Is there any risk of a tank crash if I remove my current aquascape?
Also is there any parameters I should maintain in the brute trashcan while the rock cycles? I know parameters will drop on their own but is maintaining them any benefit to the cycling process or bacteria that will be growing on the rock? Thanks

I watched a video on Building aquascaping by Bulk Reef Supply and then cycling the rock in a trashcan. I don't imagine it would crash ur current tank so long as you are using Stability or some sort if nitrifying bacteria while cycling your new rock. Put a lid on it and cycle for at least 2 weeks. I could very wrong. Get more opinions.

I do believe you will need a pump for this for circulation.

 

[vlangel]

I definitely think that you can do that. I would use water from a water change in the brute can. If you can spare a little sand and rubble rock from your tank I would add that too. The bacteria that are beneficial for the nitrification process are very hardy so you don't even need a light or heater. If you can, I would keep them in the brute can a month and even sprinkle a very small amount of flake food once a week to feed the biolife.
When you transfer if you can do it in 2 waves, that would be better. Maybe plan your new aquascape to have 2 structures and add one structure first. Test for ammonia after the new structure has been in the tank a week. If there is none then give the tank another week to settle and then add the 2nd structure. You should be pretty safe if you do this, although you could still have an ugly stage depending on how much biolife die off you had.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Unfortunately I don't have a sump, I'm using a 38 aio peninsula by water box. Given your answer I'm going to assume this is a bad idea?

Did you ever decide on replacing your aquascape?

 

[BryanM]

I'm going to guess that you're still going to have some sort of cycle, even after its cycled in the brute, when moving it to your display.

It would be safer IMO to move your current rocks around and change it up that way.