New cycle when transfering sand?

[nam2212]

I am about to transfer the contents of my nanocube to an AGA 10G. Is there any kind of procedure I should go through for this? I am transfering 10lbs sand and about 10lbs rock. The nanocube has been running for about 6 months. Should I be worried about the sandbed that is being transferred causing a new cycle? I have never done this and was wondering if anyone else has. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Nick

[Rendos]

If you disturb your sandbed, you are bound to kick up some debris that could cause a short cycle. I would just keep an eye on the new tank for ammonia, and nitrite for the first week or two. Maybe do some small water changes to keep everything in check.

[nam2212]

Could I put a small HOB power filter on the back to catch a lot of the detritus? It is one of those that has the little pre-packaged filter that looks like filter floss with carbon inside. I think I could run that and then take it off when the water clears up. Any thoughts? I have a flower anemone on one of the rocks that is being transferred. That is the only thing I am worried about. I know all the zoas and shrooms will be fine.

[fishdoc11]

If you keep the sandbed thouroughly vacumed I wouldn't worry about it. If you don't I would replace the sand and only reuse the top layer if any. Moving a sandbed is not a good idea IMO.
Chris

[nam2212]

Thanks for the info. I am planning on making the transfer this weekend. I am going to put a HOB filter with a new media bag in it and also try to vacuum out as much detritus as possible. If all else fails and I do detect ammonia, I will just transfer the livestock to my main tank for a few days.

Nick

[willember]

I have reused sand, but tried very hard not to take sand below 1 inch. I figured no bad stuff is in the top inch of sand. seemed to work ok, but only had that tank fot a few months so I can not say for sure.