will the cycle have to start over?

[bluenassarius]

so... i got a bigger tank now.. i've been cycling my 20g for about 2 weeks... i wanna stick everything i have in the 20 to the 45.. will this cause me to have to start the cycle over..?
ammonia is .50 in the 20

[Reefugee]

With an ammonia of 0.50, I wonder if your tank was completely cycled. Anyway, if you are using the same rock, sand, and water - your cycle won't have to start over. It may spike a little - but it's not a completely new cycle.

[ReefXpert]

Sam, make sure you get better lights for your new tank.
Sam, make sure you get better lights for your new tank.
Sam, make sure you get better lights for your new tank.
Sam, make sure you get better lights for your new tank.
Sam, make sure you get better lights for your new tank.
Sam, make sure you get better lights for your new tank.
Sam, make sure you get better lights for your new tank.
Sam, make sure you get better lights for your new tank.
Sam, make sure you get better lights for your new tank.
Sam, make sure you get better lights for your new tank.

[bluenassarius]

hahhhahahah silly ken :P

[BoomerD]

I'm gonna disagree with Minh. Since you're moving everything to the new tank, and since the ammonia level is still at .50, yes, it will have to fully cycle. There may be enough from your 20 to jumpstart it some, but basically, you're going to be starting all over. Presumably, you're going to add some more sand and rock, since it's quite a bit larger tank, it will need quite a bit more. If you don't add it now, it will be a PITA to add it later, and could start a new cycle when you do, if the rock isn't fully cured.

[Reefugee]

Boomer -

You are right if he adds more sand and rocks. I assumed Sam was asking if he only used the same sand and rock (not new addition), will the whole cycling process start all over. My answer is no - it's not like he is starting completely from scratch. He may have a mini-spike, but the cycle will more-less continue where he was in his 20 gallon.

I agree that his 20 gallon probably never completely cycled.

You bring up a good point. If he is going to add new rocks, his cycle WILL start all over again.

Minh

[R33f]

Congrat on the up scaling, Sam. Now you can said that you have a bigger tank then my fuge. Which I intend to setup anyday now... when I get off my lazy ***.