How do I......?

[falcondob]

I have to remove my fuge, sump, and plumbing. (Don't ask it will just make you cry or laugh. If you REALLY need to know, pm me.)

My question is:

After removing the sump and fuge, it may take 3-4 days to finish what I need to do and have the new stuff in and running. How do I keep everything in the tank OK during that period? Am I asking too much of the tank?

[NaCl_H2O]

Ok john, I'm not even going to guess about the "Why", unless you have decided to get serious and make a fish room :D

Obviously, you would need to keep up good circulation. Haven't seen your tank in person, but if you have LOTS of LR, that will provide fair chemical filtration. Still, I would suggest a min 20g "Temporary Sump" to place Charcoal and connect a skimmer - maybe a big rubbermaid tub, someone might have one you could borrow?

Considering your recent battle with fish problems, I think you are taking a chance that water quality could go bad quickly.

Mix up a bunch of RODI and be ready for a big water change or two.

[falcondob]

Considering your recent battle with fish problems, I think you are taking a chance that water quality could go bad quickly.

Steve, I am not going to do this right now. I still have to build the new sump and re-design the plumbing. I just need to know how to prepare. I could move the old sump out to the side and just keep running as usual. Will the lack of a fuge have that much effect on the water quality? If I am using lots of charcoal?

[NaCl_H2O]

Guess that depends on your load and inhabitants. A well established fuge keeps your pod population going if you have anything like a Mandarine or Wrasse eating them. The Macro algae (and DSB if it has one) may be what's keeping your NO3/NO2 down to zero. Also, the fuge may go "stinky" in 3-4 days without circulation, but a powerhead and some water exchange can solve that. If you only run the sump, I would try to put some of the macro in the sump, maybe in a small compartment made out of eggcrate or something?

If your "projects" are like mine, 3-4 days can turn into 2 weeks <_<