Question on an incompleted cycle tank

[Paul_TheOctopus]

Hello Everyone,
I'm new to the hobby and just started a 34gal Solanas tank with only 1" layer of sand and about 20lbs of liverock. The tank is in the 3rd week and the cycle is not completed yet. Anyway, a very good friend gave us a brand new 50gal rimless tank as a gift for our son's birthday over the weekend since the Solanas was a little bit use and abuse by the previous owner.

So here is my question ... I'm going to transfer everything from the 34 gal Solanas into the new 50 gal tank (sand, liverock & salt water). Do I need to start a new cycle all over again?

Thanks in advance for any help that I can get.

[James404]

The bacteria that has already formed will stay with the rock and sand provided that it isn't out of the water for very long. I would go for it and not worry.

[Paul_TheOctopus]

Thanks so much for the quick reply.:thumbsup:

[aleonn]

Yes, just transfer things as quickly and safely as you can, and let the cycle continue.

[Stroob]

As long as you haven't invested in any livestock (shouldnt with cycle still going) then transfer everything over and just keep an eye on your parameters to know when the cycle completes. This will likely extend it some but worth it now if you are at all thinking about doing it.

[Paul_TheOctopus]

I haven't invested in any livestock yet and won't do so until the setup is cycle. The current reading on the parameters of the 34gal is: ammonia=0, nitrite=0.5, nitrate = 0, pH=8.2.

[jeff@zina.com]

Keep up with your testing and you'll know how long you need to go.

Jeff