Tank on the move.......

[6 man reef]

In the midst of cycling (shrimp method) my new 120 with shallow sand bed and no rock. 29 gallon sump, Aquac 180 skimmer, MH/VHO lighting..
Current readings 18 days in:
SG=1.025
Temp.=74.9
Amm=2.0
Nitrite=3.0
Nitrate=5.0
PH=8.2
My wife's friend who's husband passed suddenly has asked me to adopt their 92 gallon oceanic corner reef tank that has been running for years at their home. Unfortunately I do not have room for both tanks....
My question is when I take the 92 should I move the contents into the 120 when fully cycled or empty the water and sand from the 120 and fill it with water, the rock and inhabitants from the 92. And finish filling with newly mixed water.
I do not intend to make the move until the weekend of th 18th...

 

[bertoni]

I would ditch the water in the 120 and move the inhabitants from the 92 into the 120. The sand should be fine. What kind of filter do you have that you are "cycling"?

 

[6 man reef]

Not sure what is meant. I put this together from a posted link for setting up/cycling a new tank. Place substrate, add rodi water , and 3 cocktail shrimp per 50 gallons of water turn on pump/circulation wait 10 days then start skimmer. Add cured live rock after week 4.

 

[bertoni]

I think the shrimp were mostly a pollution source. A few bits of fish food would probably be better for such purposes. I don't think the sand is going to filter all that much, in any case.

So I'd ditch the water and add the inhabitants of the 92g. The sand in you tank is fine to use if you need more for your substrate than the 92g has.