Hello all. I'm a first time poster, but a long time lurker on the forum and a big fan of the podcasts.

I have a 29 gal mixed reef that is just about 1 yr old. It's doing well, and I've learned enough about water quality and general husbandry that I feel comfortable enough to try a nano (which the wife thinks would be cool in the kitchen - I'm feeling lucky that the wife is actually encouraging another tank in the house so I want to make sure I don't mess this up...).

Finally, the question:

If I start up my nano with LR and LS (even the water?) from my mature tank, does the new tank still need to cycle? Or does it still need to cycle, but for a shorter period of time? I was even thinking that maybe it won't cycle, but I should wait a while anyway for the LS to get reestablished and functioning after the move.

Anyone have experiences to share here? Or even better, a definitive answer?

Thanks in advance!

Idk for sure but i think since the lighting and filtration is different you would have to wait at least some time for the adjustment but i imagine it would greatly shorten the time period.

It depends on the type of filtration. What do you have in your tank now and what're you gonna have in your new tank?

Generally speaking - you'll still have a cycle - but it may be very brief. Check your ammonia levels to make sure the do not rise... a clear sign you've completed the cycling is measuring nitrites and making sure you peaked and read zero after the peak. By using established sand and rock - you may not see the nitrite spike - so if you notice any ammonia at all the first few days but no nitrite about a week later, then it's being converted by the bacteria already in there.

Ocelot- I have no mechanical filtration in my current tank. Only a 3-4" sand bed, LR, and macroalgae. I test the water and do PWCs every week or so.

I just ordered a 12gal Aquapod. It comes with just a sponge filter, I think.

Thanks again.

No skimmer even?

Common sense says that it wouldn't create much of a cycle, since you're just relocating most of whats in your current tank. If you had some mechanical stuff going on your current tank then those bacterial colonies wouldn't get moved, and you'd end up with another cycle... but since its the other way around, the stuff living on your LR and LS will prolly just colonize the sponge, if you actually plan on using that. If I were you I'd test for a week like bklynmet said, and if nothing happens you're prolly fine.

I cycled my tank with LS & LR from an established tank but used mostly new water. My tank journal (http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/member-tank-projects/956-carmies-54-corner.html) details my marked lack of a cycle. However, even if I knew then what I know now I would not rush my tank. When you move the sand you are going to mix the aerobic and anaerobic bacterias, stir up sulfur compounds, etc and you need to let all of that get re-established.

I've done it a thousand times and I have yet to even have a mini cycle.

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the advice.

Since my current tank is larger, and I can keep it running (the new tank is not going in the same location), I will move what I need of the LS and LR into the new tank and monitor the water quality for a while. When everything is stable, I will move some critters to the new tank and slowly restock the old one.

Ocelot- I'm not running a skimmer right now, because it was in my sump, which I did a "ghetto mod" on to convert it to a fuge, which I later messed with again to get rid of some bubbles, which finally sprang a leak and drained into the living room, which burned out my return pump, which caused my wife to ask about a new tank... (Are you now sorry you asked? Or is this the type of story that all of us have?)

At least I'm getting a new tank out of this, and after a while, I'll sneak home a new pump and fuge and get the old system back to where it was...

.....I'll sneak home a new pump and fuge ...

Sneaking stuff in - I definitely can relate to that!:D

I sure am glad my other half is as into this as I am! Never have to sneak.... unless it's a present for an upcoming holiday.

I sure am glad my other half is as into this as I am! Never have to sneak.... unless it's a present for an upcoming holiday.

you can say THAT again!!! :love!:

http://www.theculturedreef.com/welcome.gif to Talking Reef Community, Scotteod.

Those are some nice sized "bugs" your holding. I'm just North of you in Ft. Pierce. Been here a little over a year, down from WI.

I too, have done the moving of LR and LS into new tanks for instant stability, countless times. The big thing to remember is it may cycle. So test as normal for a couple of weeks. If you put in any new LR or sand it will cycle for sure.

It's really cool when a spouse not only condones our hobby but, participates to some degree. No more sneaking things in the house for me. Just some occasional serious explaining to do, Like the new Solaris LED light fixture recently purchased. She didn't like the cost but, when the first full month's energy bill dropped $86 she thought I was pretty smart in getting the fixture.

Keep us informed on how the move goes.

Dick

amphibious what about filtration though if you use new filters woould they need to cycle so you no how exactly the effect the tank and such? no exp. on this just curious.

btw happy birthday Dick

when the first full month's energy bill dropped $86 she thought I was pretty smart in getting the fixture

Hey Greg, maybe instead of getting the whole HQI setups for the 100g we should get LEDs :-)

Hey Greg, maybe instead of getting the whole HQI setups for the 100g we should get LEDs :-)

as long as you don't mind laying out $1500 or so for the fixture...:eek:

Dick,

i'd be REALLY interested in your results with those LED's.

amphibious what about filtration though if you use new filters woould they need to cycle so you no how exactly the effect the tank and such? no exp. on this just curious.

btw happy birthday DickYes, new filters would likely extend the cycling time in this case.

Thanks for the BD wish, Puffin!

as long as you don't mind laying out $1500 or so for the fixture...:eek:

Dick,

i'd be REALLY interested in your results with those LED's.You got it Saxman. LED thread (http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/lighting/2345-solaris-led-illumination-system.html)

I am more than thrilled with the LED lights. I'm ecstatic. You'll read about my enthusiasm in the thread. If you become interested in the lights, PM me.

Dick

Hey Greg, maybe instead of getting the whole HQI setups for the 100g we should get LEDs :-)

:) IDK, you might be spending too much time on the boards...

Thanks for the welcome message and advice, Amphibious. My wife sure loves to eat the "lobsta", and I sure love catching the little critters. I'm not sure it saves any money in the long run though, once you factor in the air, boat gas, time, etc., but it's still a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

(I also collect a little from the reefs, which has been rewarding so far. I'm learning more as I go, and I'm being more cautious now than when I first started. Someone asked me once if I quarantined my collections, and I told them my whole tank was a quarantine tank... Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. Do you collect locally?)

:) IDK, you might be spending too much time on the boards...

LOL, do you mean how we are talking back and forth?

LOL, do you mean how we are talking back and forth?
Yeah:D
Our friends laugh at us because:
1) I will call our son on his cell phone when I need him and he is in another room.
2)We PM each other when we are in the same room.

Now if I could just get my husband to carry his cell phone with him or PM I'd have it made!