New system, same rock, need cycling?

[plancton]

Hi, I currently have a 75gal and want to upgrade to a 150gal, I am going to use the same sandbend, the same rock+dry base rock, and about 5 gals from the old tank.

Will also be transfering the corals and fish. Will the new tank need cycling?

[CompNrdCR]

I don't think so... There will be a small cycle because things will get stirred up, but that is it.

Any other thoughts?

[alan214]

How long was the tank setup before the move? You may not want to move the sand, at least not all of it.

[plancton]

Hi, the previous setup has been on for 2 years. Why not move the sand?, I mean the old tank will be sold.

[Mishap]

Depending on the depth of your sand bed if you stir it up while moving it, a lot of your bacteria will be disturbed and die off. This would lead to a lot of excess nutrients causing a spike. Best way to do it is get 85-90% new sand, and add the remaining 10-15% of sand from your 75 to help seed the new stuff.

[Tang Salad]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9187327#post9187327 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mishap
Depending on the depth of your sand bed if you stir it up while moving it, a lot of your bacteria will be disturbed and die off. This would lead to a lot of excess nutrients causing a spike. Best way to do it is get 85-90% new sand, and add the remaining 10-15% of sand from your 75 to help seed the new stuff.

I agree with this plan. Right on the money.