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?
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.
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Ben
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.
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 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.
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...
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
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Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
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.
Cycling tank with "mature" LR and LS 
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