Would I have to cycle a new tank if I already have a tank?

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #1 10-23-2010, 05:58 AM

In the past, I've transferred everything over no problem. I washed out my sand and then added it in.

I've also helped with a transfer which included the sandbed and other than a few days of murky water, not much of a problem. A small amount of nitrite (treated with heavy dosing of Prime) and some phosphate, but the tank is mainly a fish only with a few softies. If its for a reef with lots of lps/sps, then transferring the sand (as is) is probably not a good idea.

lastlight · #2 10-23-2010, 06:02 AM

I did 5g swaps daily when moving to the new system. I had to cycle the rock anyways so with each 5g I'd simply siphon as much sand from tank 1 and just dump it into tank 2. Transfer went great but like I said I cycled the new tank.

lockrookie · #3 10-23-2010, 06:11 AM

i find this an interesting question as i took 90 percent of my water from my 90 with water changes and aded to my 50. added fully cured live rock and have noticed no spike in lefels thus far. but to be safe i think i am going to wait it out still just to be sure. my test today a week in so far the levels are perfect.

just wish the skimmer would calm down and quit with the micro bubbles is all

howdy20012002 · #4 10-23-2010, 07:07 AM

if you wash your sand thoroughly you should be ok..
IMO like I said before, just don't transfer it over without cleaning it though.

lockrookie · #5 10-23-2010, 07:21 AM

new tank, new sand, new live cured rock from friends live rock, recycled tank water (see im being green minded lol). ill still wait just to be sure. i dont want to rush it. even though i want to. last thing i want to o is make a fish suffer dueu to impatience but i did expect a quick cycle with using therecycled tank water from water changes.

Madreefer · #6 10-23-2010, 04:44 PM

Sounds like a simple transfer. I've done it several times with out any losses or negative effects. I usually replace half of the sand. Your tank is'nt that old so your sandbed should'nt be too bad to deal with. Just plan well ahead and have everything ready to make it a quick and easy job. Don't let everybody get you all stressed out and worried about H2S and all that other crap. It's pretty simple and within a day everything should look good.