new tank old rock, sand & filter

[Borky00]

I am thinking of upgrading from 55G to 90G with a sump.

What kind of a nitrogen cycle can I expect if I use all the same live rock, sand, CUC, 2-3 fish and HOB filter? Oh and I have a few (4) small corals in there also.

I was hoping to tear down the old tank and put the new one up in it's place.

Do I need to go through a new cycle on the new tank? I do have a 10G QT set up if I need to move the fish but the CUC will be pretty cramped in there.

Thoughts?
Thanx
Bill

 

[Xavibear]

How long has your 55 been set up? If less than the year, I'd just move everything trying not to stir the sand too much. With a more established tank I get new sand or rinse the sand you have very well before reusing.

You should put the fish in your qt for a couple of days. That way you can let the tank clear & test the water before adding them.

 

[wooden_reefer]

If you avoid dehydration or too much evaporation to alter the salinity, then you would not lose much.

You should also avoid being a clean freak; that is, if you also remove too much dirt where the bacteria live you would lose too much.

You can feed your livestock gradually more in two weeks before the move and then a little less after the move.

If you add new livestock to DT, you are better off cycling a portion of the new rock outside in a separate container and then add to tank just before introducing new livestock.

 

[Borky00]

The current tank has only been up for a few months, the footprint is the same at 48 inches. Not sure how I can not stir up the sand too much.

I will probably use the QT for the transition period since it is already setup and that will not stress the fish as much as a bucket. I was just worried about all the good bacteria I want to transfer gets transferred. I will not clean the HOB filter until several days after the transfer and the water is ok.

Should I gradually increase the water level from 55G to say 75G and then a week later add 10 more gallons until I am at the full 90G+ whatever the sump can handle or can I add all the extra water all on day 1?

 

[wooden_reefer]

The current tank has only been up for a few months, the footprint is the same at 48 inches. Not sure how I can not stir up the sand too much.

I will probably use the QT for the transition period since it is already setup and that will not stress the fish as much as a bucket. I was just worried about all the good bacteria I want to transfer gets transferred. I will not clean the HOB filter until several days after the transfer and the water is ok.

Should I gradually increase the water level from 55G to say 75G and then a week later add 10 more gallons until I am at the full 90G+ whatever the sump can handle or can I add all the extra water all on day 1?

Nearly all the good bacteria live on substrate.

Substrate to bacteria is whatever surface, even very small. Generally, the aquarist might remove too much of this tiny surfaces.