Can I migrate to a ZimaOS RAID 1 array using a "degraded" drive method to copy data from an old NAS?

Insight & Feedback
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Hi everyone,

I am planning to migrate my home server setup from an old QNAP TS-230 NAS (which currently has 2 x 4TB HDDs running in RAID 1) to a new DIY PC (Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM) running ZimaOS.

Since I don’t have a third spare 4TB drive to temporarily hold all my data during the transition, I am thinking of using a “degraded RAID migration” approach. I wanted to ask the community if ZimaOS supports this workflow via its Storage Manager UI, or if it will cause issues.

Here is the exact step-by-step workflow I am planning:

  1. Pull Drive 1: Remove one 4TB HDD from the QNAP NAS (leaving the QNAP running in a degraded RAID 1 state with Drive 2 so my data remains accessible).

  2. Install in ZimaOS: Insert Drive 1 into the new Ryzen PC and format it through ZimaOS.

  3. The Core Question: Can I initialize a RAID 1 (Mirror) storage pool using only this single drive in ZimaOS? (Essentially creating a “Degraded” or incomplete RAID 1 pool that expects a second drive later).

    • Note: If ZimaOS forces me to format it as a “Single Drive” instead of an incomplete RAID 1, will I be able to convert it to a RAID 1 later without losing data?

  4. Data Transfer: If step 3 is possible, I will transfer all my files over the local network from the degraded QNAP NAS to the new ZimaOS pool.

  5. Pull Drive 2: Once the transfer is 100% complete, I will shut down the QNAP, pull out the second 4TB HDD, and insert it into the ZimaOS PC.

  6. Rebuild / Expand: Go to the ZimaOS Storage Manager, select the newly added Drive 2, and use an “Expand” or “Repair” option to sync the mirror and make the RAID 1 array healthy.

My Questions for the Community:

  • Does the current version of ZimaOS allow the creation of a RAID 1 storage pool with just a single drive?

  • If it only allows setting it up as a “Single Drive” initially, does the UI support non-destructive migration/conversion from Single Drive to RAID 1 when the second disk is added?

  • If anyone has done this before with ZimaOS, are there any hidden bugs or CLI commands I should be aware of to avoid losing data?

Thanks in advance for the help!