Consequences of sudden reduction in bioload?

[ACBlinky]

It may sound like a strange question, but I'm curious if there are any negatives associated with a sudden reduction in bioload?

I tore my 90g apart today to catch our Lamarck's angel, ocellaris clown and coral rabbitfish. They're all fairly big -- the clown is about 3", the angel is nearly 5", the rabbit is about the same, and all three are VERY round. There's only one fish of significant size left in the 90g, my yellow tang (4") -- we probably cut the bioload by about half today, in one fell swoop.

So what happens to all those bacteria, that until this afternoon were busy consuming and converting 30-50% more ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate than they're presently getting? I assume there's got to be significant bacterial die-off... do more bacteria appear to counter the (probably tiny) cycle that may occur? Do I need to watch out for anything, or is the tank just going to breath a sigh of relief now that it's not overloaded with large, messy fish?

 

[seapug]

I think the "sigh of relief" from the tank is the only side effect that will occur.

 

[Mark426]

A nicer reef will be the side effect

 

[Billybeau1]

Also you will probably see clearer water in a couple of days.

 

[reefer0032]

Yeah I agree with the comments made above, plus your skimmer won't have to work as hard.

 

[snorvich]

Bioload going down is not a problem. Bioload going up needs to be a bit more gradual.

 

[ACBlinky]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated! I've had to work hard to keep the reef clean lately, and it was getting frustrating. I notice the fish are already more relaxed, and I think once the large fish are all re-homed (one is gone, two are still in the holding tank) I'll feel more relaxed as well!