I moved my tank, what happens now

khourglass

Member
:notsure: I just moved my tank to a different residence I had to remove the sand also, for weight reasons. My question now is will it go though a cycle or even a mini cycle?
I dont have anything in there other than live rock, sand , and of course all the little creatures that live in those mini stars and such, so I wont loose anything expensive but still I would like to be aware of what to expect so I'll know how long to wait before I stock the tank again.
Thanks Guys
Kristi
 

joojoo

Member
if you kept the rocks/sand wet the bacteria will still be on them
expect a mini cycle as detritus will have been stirred up
 

miamireefr

Member
I would suggest if you have everything running to go about running the usual tests(ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, salinity, ph, alk). But wait and see what others would suggest. I am still fairly novice but that would be my first approach.
 

granny

Member
There are many factors which determine whether your tank will recycle or not. Generally whenever you have a major move, you have some die-off of beneficial bacters. I would reccomend proceeding as if you are setting your tank up new-test for ammonia and Nitritites. If some show, then wait till they are gone. If none show within 3-4, then 6-7 days, you can safely start to slowly restock your aquarium, testing after each new addition and waiting 7-10 days in between additions.
Its really hard work moving these things isnt it??
 

khourglass

Member
Originally Posted by joojoo
if you kept the rocks/sand wet the bacteria will still be on them
expect a mini cycle as detritus will have been stirred up
Thank you for your help I kinda thought it would mini cycle. Yes I kept everything underwater thoughout the move.
 

moby

Member
Test your water regularly, It is not unusual for a small cycle to take place after a move.
Stirring up the sand bed or in this case removing it completely disrupts the bacteria.
This I believe is the cause for the cycle you may see.
Remember there is different bacteria living at different levels in the sand. The bacteria at the deepest levels does not tolerate oxygen, this is the bacteria which converts nitrates to nitrogen(the small bubbles you see rising from the sand bed ocassionally). The bacteria at the shallower depths requires oxygen and processes the first steps in the nitrate cycle.
Hope this helps.
Moby
 

darknes

Active Member
Where are your fish being stored?
Also, when you mention that you removed the sand, does that mean you put all new sand in there? or just take the sand out and then put it back in?
Did all your sand and rocks stay dry during the move?
Did you keep any of your old water, or is it all freshly made water in the new tank.
I'm just wondering if you are going to get a small cycle or not. If your fish are in a safe place (like not in a bucket, lol), then it's best to take it slowly.
 

darknes

Active Member
Originally Posted by khourglass
Thank you for your help I kinda thought it would mini cycle. Yes I kept everything underwater thoughout the move.
Guess you posted before I finished.
You may have a small cycle, but nothing major. I'd say give it a few days (keeping close eye on your parameters), as long as your fish will be fine wherever they are.
 

khourglass

Member
Originally Posted by Granny
There are many factors which determine whether your tank will recycle or not. Generally whenever you have a major move, you have some die-off of beneficial bacters. I would reccomend proceeding as if you are setting your tank up new-test for ammonia and Nitritites. If some show, then wait till they are gone. If none show within 3-4, then 6-7 days, you can safely start to slowly restock your aquarium, testing after each new addition and waiting 7-10 days in between additions.
Its really hard work moving these things isnt it??
Wow I had no idea how bad it would be too move, whoa. Good thing it will not be going anywhere else EVER!!!!
 

khourglass

Member
Any idea where I should replace the powerhead, I have only one but its a 29 gal. tank
I wasnt getting any movement though the center bottom?
 

khourglass

Member
Yes it helps explain alot, but Im just setting it back up now, waiting for the cloud to settle.
I was doing frequent water changes anyway cyano bac was an issue and has been for awhile so I'll just continue to test often still huh?
that sucks LOL
But it will be worth it in the end.
 

granny

Member
"NOT EVER!" LOL!
If you have only one powerhead you need to find a way to angle it-opposite from your water return(assuming you have a sump or canister here) so that the water coming from one direction sort of washes over the other one creating a mini vertical whirlpool effect.
Usually the best placement is the least aesthetically pleasing!
 

khourglass

Member
Originally Posted by Darknes
Guess you posted before I finished.
You may have a small cycle, but nothing major. I'd say give it a few days (keeping close eye on your parameters), as long as your fish will be fine wherever they are.
I knew the move was coming so I have no fish and havent for over a year.
 

khourglass

Member
Originally Posted by Granny
"NOT EVER!" LOL!
If you have only one powerhead you need to find a way to angle it-opposite from your water return(assuming you have a sump or canister here) so that the water coming from one direction sort of washes over the other one creating a mini vertical whirlpool effect.
Usually the best placement is the least aesthetically pleasing!
grrrrrr double overflow filter,, so dead center str8 down, going to a bigger tank soon so this one will become an HQ.
 

khourglass

Member
Originally Posted by Darknes
Where are your fish being stored?
Also, when you mention that you removed the sand, does that mean you put all new sand in there? or just take the sand out and then put it back in?
Did all your sand and rocks stay dry during the move?
Did you keep any of your old water, or is it all freshly made water in the new tank.
I'm just wondering if you are going to get a small cycle or not. If your fish are in a safe place (like not in a bucket, lol), then it's best to take it slowly.
everything old except I did an 8 gal change in the process, water sand and all were moved with the tank thats 4 years old.
 
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