May switch to a larger tank, would adding more LR cause another cycle?

dpsa98 · 08/06/2006, 02:48 PM

I am considering switching from my 25g tank to a 46g bowfront tank in a few months. I already have 30 lbs of LR in my 25g with some lps, sps, zoanthids and 2 fish. My question is If I switch tanks I am going to need to add more LS and LR. Wont the new tank cycle again and kill all of my livestock. How would you make this transfer to a new tank? I dont have holes drilled in my 25 or a sump these are all things I am going to get right off the bat in the new tank prior to set up.

reeferman06 · 08/06/2006, 03:31 PM

not if you use as much waster from the old tank as possible

MarksReef · 08/06/2006, 03:41 PM

If you want to add more L.R. to the new system you can get the rock now and put it in a bucket with a small powerhead and heater to cure or cycle it. Once you test that the cycle is over you can add it to the new tank.

dpsa98 · 08/06/2006, 03:46 PM

That's a great idea about the LR. I figure I will have to add about another 25-30lbs. I can just get a bucket cycle it and store it in my garage till Im ready to set up the tank. What about the live sand part? Can I do the same with the live sand. I think the brand of LS I used was the bagged natures own LS. Im not sure if I need to cycle that also or not.

kass03 · 08/06/2006, 03:50 PM

Yes it could cause a cycle depending on how cured the new rock is.
If it's fully cured it might not cycle at all.

You could also move it and then slowly add more rock to get the desired amount.

kass

funman1 · 08/06/2006, 04:09 PM

Yep when ever I add more LR it will almost always cause a small cycle again in the tank.

bertoni · 08/06/2006, 04:53 PM

The bagged live sand isn't worth much, in my opinion, so I'd just skip that. In general, for good live sand, handling it will abrade and kill some of the animals, so that's to be reduced to a minimum.

For adding live rock, I agree that curing it in a tub with a heater and some water motion is a good idea. That should reduce the odds of problems quite a bit.

08/06/2006, 02:48 PM	#1
dpsa98 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Fallon,Nv Posts: 234	May switch to a larger tank, would adding more LR cause another cycle? I am considering switching from my 25g tank to a 46g bowfront tank in a few months. I already have 30 lbs of LR in my 25g with some lps, sps, zoanthids and 2 fish. My question is If I switch tanks I am going to need to add more LS and LR. Wont the new tank cycle again and kill all of my livestock. How would you make this transfer to a new tank? I dont have holes drilled in my 25 or a sump these are all things I am going to get right off the bat in the new tank prior to set up.

08/06/2006, 03:31 PM	#2
reeferman06 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Raleigh/Down by the river side Posts: 440	not if you use as much waster from the old tank as possible __________________ Marrel Current Tank Info: 55 gallon reef- 2x 110w Actinic VHO's 2x 175w 14k Metal Halides, Pair of Saddle back Clowns, SPS, Colt Coral, shrooms, LPS, Bubble coral, Hammer, Crocea, Zoanthinds, Xenia, Blasto

08/06/2006, 03:41 PM	#3
MarksReef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Rush, N.Y. Posts: 4,058	If you want to add more L.R. to the new system you can get the rock now and put it in a bucket with a small powerhead and heater to cure or cycle it. Once you test that the cycle is over you can add it to the new tank. __________________ 93G Rimless Cube Current Tank Info: 93G Rimless Cube

08/06/2006, 04:09 PM	#6
funman1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 4,898	Yep when ever I add more LR it will almost always cause a small cycle again in the tank. __________________ Professional Pyro: NO REALLY; I get PAID to blow stuff up!! ~Steve~ Current Tank Info: 12G NANO

08/06/2006, 04:53 PM	#7
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	The bagged live sand isn't worth much, in my opinion, so I'd just skip that. In general, for good live sand, handling it will abrade and kill some of the animals, so that's to be reduced to a minimum. For adding live rock, I agree that curing it in a tub with a heater and some water motion is a good idea. That should reduce the odds of problems quite a bit. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

08/06/2006, 03:46 PM	#4
dpsa98 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Fallon,Nv Posts: 234	That's a great idea about the LR. I figure I will have to add about another 25-30lbs. I can just get a bucket cycle it and store it in my garage till Im ready to set up the tank. What about the live sand part? Can I do the same with the live sand. I think the brand of LS I used was the bagged natures own LS. Im not sure if I need to cycle that also or not.

08/06/2006, 03:50 PM	#5
kass03 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Kaukauna, Wi Posts: 2,937	Yes it could cause a cycle depending on how cured the new rock is. If it's fully cured it might not cycle at all. You could also move it and then slowly add more rock to get the desired amount. kass