Help...change tank question

[virus666]

Hi all experts, i changing my 3ft tank cos its a 6mm glass,i intend to change to a 10mm tank 3 ft also. My question is if I use the same live rock,same water and add abit of new sea water,do I need to recycle the new tank again? tks

[vidextreme]

Hi all experts, i changing my 3ft tank cos its a 6mm glass,i intend to change to a 10mm tank 3 ft also. My question is if I use the same live rock,same water and add abit of new sea water,do I need to recycle the new tank again? tks

(Not really an expert but here's my take )

The answer is yes and no.

No, cycle. Because the ammonia and nitrite eating bacteria if transported properly to the new tank should still be in both your water column and live rocks.

Yes, you need to cycle for the nitrate eating bacteria. You see, these little critters doesn't like light and oxygen, hence their anaerobic nature. By moving them, you subsequently expose them from light and air.

Of course, this all depends on your live rocks, how porous they are, etc etc. Under no circumstance that you allow your live rock to dry up. Move them as fast, and careful ofcourse, as possible. You can even consider moving them by using a small bucket filled with tank water so it doesn't get expose to air.

The good thing is your ammonia and nitrite bacteria have already populated your tank. These two nutrients are the poisonous in certain levels compare to nitrate which can be handled later.

So in short, you don't have to fully cycle it (some consider cycle stops when nitrite level drops but I think otherwise). Think of it as half-way cycling (mono-cycle ).

Expect some increase of nitrate levels and some ammonia and nitrite level as you disturb and release some decaying matter stuck in the sand and rocks when your moving them. But ultimately, it will be fine.

Hope that helps.

Keep us posted!

[tunicate]

Go ahead with the change. Replace filter wool after cloudiness in water have settled down. Perform water perimeter test. Take necessary actions. Then move on from there.