What now?

[bweltsch]

We recently moved and set up the new tank. Used old water from a tank and the old sandbed. Two weeks later we moved the fish and corals from the old tank. Everyhting was up and running and doing well. Came back 2 days later and everything was dead. Now have been through a massive algea bloom. What do I do now? Dump everything out and start over? Complete water change and keep the sand? Partial change? Recycle? Any advice or ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Mopar Reefer]

Sounds like you had a cycle have you tested for ammonia? What are your nitrate readings?

 

[zooty]

Ditch the sand
It caused the problem

 

[wrott]

It's wise and easier to always use new sand and water when starting or moving a tank to avoid a cycle.
Let sand settle for a few hours, then transfer LR (underwater), and add livestock. You should not feed for a couple of days, then very lightly for a few more days.
Sounds like you need to let it cycle.
Sorry for the losses.

 

[Shane Hoffman]

Ya your used sand caused this issue. I know from experience. I set up a 30 gallon nano reef with water and sand from my 150. I monitored parameters for 1 month (tested every 3 days) ...I had a huge cycle around day 13........I am certain this is from turning over all that old sand from my 150

 

[noahm]

+1^ if you ever use old sand, it has to be rinsed thoroughly in SW which is difficult because who has a SW tap. That is why it is just easier and safer to use new sand. Old water is generally not a prob and can be helpful to use some. The only way I could see rinsing it effectively is to dump it in a tub and stir it up while cycling the water through a cansister filter until its clean. Again, easier to just use new. Maybe throw a couple of cups of old in to help establish critters.

Sorry for the loss, don't give up.

 

[HighlandReef]

when i moved my tank into the wall it cause a amonia spike cause i sturred up the sand, i knew better but i was trying to be cheap.
well i learned my lesson and wont ever use old sand again.