will tank cycle

[nufc]

Hi,
i need to drill a hole in my tank for the sump. but i have got to empty it.
if i put my L/R & water in my second tank will it cycle? or can i put my fish straight in.
Also when i have my original tank set up and the sump running will it also cycle? when i return the sand & L/R, if it does how long before i can return my fish??
Any help would be great

 

[andymi]

If the sand is already live and so is your rock, you could go purchase some large rubbermaid containers and transfer all of your fish, rock and sand into those. Keep it heated and add light and circulation just like in your tank. I did this during a move and nothing suffered, didn't even lose a fish and they were in the rubbermaid containers for about 4 days. Once the tank was set back up I transfered things back into the tank with no problems at all. You just need to keep the sand and LR (and fish) happy as you would in the tank.
--Andy

 

[nufc]

Thanks
Thats set my mind at rest