will it cause a cycle to remove old sand

[Moonstream]

I am panning to remove at east 2" from the top of my sandbed, so that I only have about 1" left in the tank. I am planning to wash the old sand very well, then put it in my fuge; I was wondering if this would cause a cycle?

 

[Reef'in Colorado]

you should be ok. i would just toss it into your fuge w/o washing it.

 

[Slakker]

I'd do it gradually so that you don't upset your balance too much at once, JMO.

 

[jtma508]

Keep in mind that the bacterial flora you grew when you cycled your tank live in your LR and sand. Sand has a super high surface area and hence the greater portion of your bacterial flora. Also, most all the nitrate converting bacteria you have are in your sand (since they are mostly anerobes). Essentially you are throwing aware a large part of your bacterial filter.