i have just bought a new 4ft x18"x18" tank and was wondering if i would need to cycle the tank if im using equipment from my old tank on the new tank. The only new thing would be cured live sand.
You have to get the bacteria into the new tank so you will go through another cycle. Going through a cycle isn't really a decision, it is just something that just happens.
im sure you would go through a little bit of a cycle, but it should not be very bad if you use the same filter, equipment and water from an established tank.
I just moved my 54 into a 90. I did it last friday using all the water rock and sand from my old tank, I am going through a cycle rite now my levels are all going up. Be careful if you have anything living in there you will cycle!
i thought it would be just like one big water change as all the live rock will come from the 180gal, same with skimmer and filter. only new thing is the live sand.
