X-RAID expansion

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Jakuki wrote:

I'll need to somehow find a way to store the current 4TB of data off the NAS, then somehow put the files back onto the reformatted drives.

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First, I want to point out that RAID isn't enough to keep your data safe.  There are lots of posts from folks here who assumed otherwise, and ended up either losing data, or coming very close to it.  

So I do strongly recommend that you invest in a backup plan for your NAS.  USB drives are one affordable method that many people use.

FWIW, Netgear recommends ensuring you have an up-to-date backup before expansion - personally I recommend that you always have a backup (mine are daily).

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Jakuki wrote:

My question is, can I actually wait until the current 4TB is used up before buying/installing more HDDs for expansion?

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I don't see any need to expand now, given that you are only using 25% of your capacity.  One reason to wait is that your storage needs might change.

But don't wait until the volume is completely full.  I'd expand when the volume reaches about 80-85%.  The BTRFS file system doesn't behave well when it gets completely full. 

If you expand with 4 TB drives, you only need to add one more btw.  If you expand using larger drives, you'd need to install two to get the full capacity.  (Note you can't add drives smaller than 4 TB).

I recommend CMR NAS-purposed drives (WD Red Plus, Ironwolf) for your NAS - though of course enterprise class would also be fine.  I'd avoid WD Red (as they are SMR), and desktop drives (as many are also SMR).