When to make the switch and best process

[Stedmanaudio]

Hey everyone new to the forums and new to GSP's. I started a new tank and after lots of research decided I wanted to go with GSPs. I picked up two both about 1"-1 1/4 in size (tail not included w/ tail roughly 1.5"). They were purchased FW and I know most are considered FW/BW but they do better in BW and apparently according to everyone in this topic full marine as well. I want to get them out of FW and started on BW and then eventually over time to full marine. My question is whens a good time to start? Is it okay to begin the acclimation process now? I want to do it slowly obviously so they don't go into shock. Whens a good time to start and how should I go about it. Want these little buggers to grow up big and happy! Thanks everyone.

[Pufferpunk]

How long has the tank been cycled & stable?

[Stedmanaudio]

I cycled the tank before adding the guys in. I'd say the bacteria cycle and everything was about 3 months. The ph levels and ammonia and nitrate/nitrate levels have been stable for about a month now. I have nothing but live plants in the tank and plenty of so overall process has been pretty nice. Although I am aware that I will have to unfortunately switch the plants out into a different tank when I make the switch. I do regular water changes. They are both very active and have no problems feeding. I have already gathered all the materials I'll need to start the transition I just want to make sure I don't start them when they are to young.

[bertie 83]

What are the readings from the tank? Once the tank is getting perfect readings you can start the transition. Yes unfortunately your plants will have to go

[RTR]

However, you will lose the plants. If they are doing the detoxification of ammonia now, you will need to develop bacteria nitrification for BW and SW, but if you go finally to full marine (SW at or above 1.021 specific gravity) you can then go to FOWLR plus a good protein skimmer and a 24/7 lighted macroalgale refugium. That would provide the lowest cost long-term operating system.

HTH

[Pufferpunk]

Brackish water mixing: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=19348

[RTR]

BTW, we really have insufficient data to say what timing is best for the change-over. So we really cannot give a proven answer to that question.

[Stedmanaudio]

Thanks everybody I really appreciate the responses. I have another fresh water tank that I will be moving the plants into. That tank has a mixture of real and fake plants and I personally would love to get rid of all of the fake stuff. I will have to go to one of the local shops to get an update on my levels and go from there. The drip method will probably be best for me. Now I have gravel in there currently should I change to a substrate prior?

[Pufferpunk]

Might as well. Aragonite sand will keep the pH higher & more stable.