New tank

2000se · 02/16/2016, 02:38 PM

Hey guys/gals – I’ve got an 8 gallon mini reef currently that’s been running for about 1.5 years now. All is well with it. It’s just humming right along.

My question is this – I am getting a red sea reefer 250 shortly. (~54 gallons + 11 gallons sump = 65 total gallons ) I am thinking that I will fill it up with new saltwater, new sand, then take the 4-5 lbs of live rock I currently have in my 8G and put that in there too then turn it on. I really don’t think I need to run a cycle right? I mean the bacteria is already established on the rock now it is just going into a larger volume of water. I only have 1 fish and 1 frogspawn with a bunch of snails and crabs..What can you guys tell me that will go wrong with this? Am I just not seeing this right?

Much appreciated!!!

username in use · 02/16/2016, 02:52 PM

You could have a mini cycle depending on what is actually on the dry rock and dry sand. That being said, this is ok in theory as long as you closely monitor the parameters and are prepared to do large water changes.

A better option might be to just move 1/2 the rock over and let it sit for 6-8 weeks before moving the fish and coral over to be on the safe side.

2000se · 02/16/2016, 03:06 PM

to clarify -->
You could have a mini cycle depending on what is actually on the dry rock and dry sand..

The only thing that would be new is the sand. No new rock, only the existing rock and only 4 lbs of it. Makes sense?

02/16/2016, 02:38 PM	#1
2000se Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: charlotte Posts: 532	New tank Hey guys/gals – I’ve got an 8 gallon mini reef currently that’s been running for about 1.5 years now. All is well with it. It’s just humming right along. My question is this – I am getting a red sea reefer 250 shortly. (~54 gallons + 11 gallons sump = 65 total gallons ) I am thinking that I will fill it up with new saltwater, new sand, then take the 4-5 lbs of live rock I currently have in my 8G and put that in there too then turn it on. I really don’t think I need to run a cycle right? I mean the bacteria is already established on the rock now it is just going into a larger volume of water. I only have 1 fish and 1 frogspawn with a bunch of snails and crabs..What can you guys tell me that will go wrong with this? Am I just not seeing this right? Much appreciated!!!

02/16/2016, 02:52 PM	#2
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	You could have a mini cycle depending on what is actually on the dry rock and dry sand. That being said, this is ok in theory as long as you closely monitor the parameters and are prepared to do large water changes. A better option might be to just move 1/2 the rock over and let it sit for 6-8 weeks before moving the fish and coral over to be on the safe side. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

02/16/2016, 03:06 PM	#3
2000se Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: charlotte Posts: 532	to clarify --> You could have a mini cycle depending on what is actually on the dry rock and dry sand.. The only thing that would be new is the sand. No new rock, only the existing rock and only 4 lbs of it. Makes sense?