Cycling Question

[FutureBoyGenius]

If I bought a new tank to move everything into, I would still have to let it cycle even if I used the same sand and water correct?

Is this because the denitrifying bacteria have to establish on the glass and re-establish in the sand bed?

 

[kfisc]

Possibly not and no- if your rock is "cured" (been in your tank for months and your chemistry is stable), and you use a good portion of the water, and your sand hasn't been there that long, you might avoid a cycle. Your tank parameters will probably fluctuate and it may have a mini-cycle, and probably will need time to adjust.


Denitrifying bacteria are all over the place, within the water, on surfaces, etc.

Moving/removing an established deep sand bed is another matter altogether. I would start with fresh sand and a little of the old to seed the new.

 

[FutureBoyGenius]

I think I may just be patient and start over. Put in some new sand and seed it like you said. Is there a problem with putting macro algeas in the tank while it is cycling?

 

[kfisc]

Do you mean macros in the sump? I wouldn't put them in the main display, but that's my preference. They'll do fine there if there's adequate light and stable alk/ca/mg.

 

[FutureBoyGenius]

No, I meant in the display. I know alot of people keep macros in their seahorse tanks for them to hitch onto. Unfortunately, I will not have a sump or a fuge on this tank.