Re arranging established rock work

[gmerek2]

I bought my 125g tank used. I dumped in all my rock work after the move. I am getting prepared to finally aquascape and re arrange the rock. I finally got my nitrates to 0 so i figure its time. I was pumped and celebrated with a beer but thAts another story. So my plan is to drain and remove all rockwork and water in tubs the way i moved everything into my house. That way If I need a big or small piece it will be easier to grab. Should i be concerned about stirring up nasties? How big of water change should I do after completion? Any other concerns or suggestions?

[YHSublime]

Your tank hasn't been up long enough that you probably need to worry about stuff built up that will crash your tank, just my opinion. I would fill up a couple buckets, or rubbermaids, or whatever you plan on using, with saltwater, and keep your rock in those as you put it all together back inside in the tank. Congrats on the milestone.

[smallreef]

Do you have sand in the tank? The biggest issue would be stirring it up, but doing a 50% water change after should be enough...

So biggest thing is making sure you get the rock down to the bottom of the tank, not sitting ontop of the sand...

[surf&turf]

Your tank hasn't been up long enough that you probably need to worry about stuff built up that will crash your tank, just my opinion. I would fill up a couple buckets, or rubbermaids, or whatever you plan on using, with saltwater, and keep your rock in those as you put it all together back inside in the tank. Congrats on the milestone.

+1 Do you have any livestock?

[gmerek2]

The tank has been set up for a long time. I bought it used and moved everything in one day in june. Its bare bottom. The nitrates were 80ppm after moving. I wasnt sure if it was because of neglect (most used tanks have been neglected) or leaching from the established rockwork being banged around in my truck in bins full of sloshing water. The nitrates are finally 0 so I think its time. One of my concerns is rock that had full sun (LED light) will now be on bottom. Can the die off of algea etc cause problems? Ill just keep a close eye on everything.

[gmerek2]

 Live stocks came with the tank. Blue hippo, maroon clown, cleaner shrimps, goby, D sailfin tang, yella eye kole tang. Some SPS and LPS and softies

[smallreef]

Are you going to try and put the fish in a holding tank some they don't get hurt while your doing this?

There's alot of rock in that tank...

[flooddc]

I think it would be fine to re-arrange your rocks work. Much easier with bare bottom. I don't remember how many time I re-aquascape within the last 2 years including one time I had to move every pieces of rock in the tank to catch a velvet damsel.

[gmerek2]

Yes I have a 55gallon quarantine tank. Another reason why I dont want to do a little at a time is because I dont want to hurt my pets  Everything is coming out. Plus I want to move the tank a couple feet. Im sure my fish will have more swim room after the rocks are stacked high with caves. Wow! Thats one pesky damsel!