Combining Aquariums no cycle?

Schulks · May 3, 2024

I have a 22g AIO and a 13.5g AIO and I have setup a 50g+20g sump to move the rocks and the life into. Should I be ok to just match salinity then move all the rocks(but new sand) and then the fish and inverts all in one day? I think I have plenty of rock and I have already placed one of the rocks in the return chamber of my new sump so it is getting hit with a lot of flow.

Glenner’sreef · May 3, 2024

So your 22g and 13.5gal are established tanks? Already cycled? If so, if so, then you should go for it. I’ve broke down tanks and moved rock work, sand, fish everything without any ammonia or nitrite cycling issues. I alway kept as much “established tank” tank water as I could and added that to the new setup. Good luck.

Schulks · May 3, 2024

The AIO's have been running for 3 and 2 years so the rock is very established.

Should I move the water over too? I wasn't sure if that is a good idea or not.
Either way I will only have about 5 fish to move in and a couple shrimp so it won't be a heavy load.

Spare time · May 3, 2024

You don't need to cycle the tank if you are using established rock. You can use old water or make new it won't matter in the long run

Glenner’sreef · May 3, 2024

Schulks said:
The AIO's have been running for 3 and 2 years so the rock is very established.

Should I move the water over too? I wasn't sure if that is a good idea or not.
Either way I will only have about 5 fish to move in and a couple shrimp so it won't be a heavy load.

I see transferring tank livestock and rock like bringing home a new fish from the lfs. Your goal for success is to turn the lfs water into your tank water. Salinity, temperature, nutrients, trace elements etc. I have much more piece of mind when I take out say 10 gallons and put it in the new tank. Then make 10 new gallons of salt water and put it in the old tank. The repeat, and repeat. Then take the level of water down to get the fish out easily. They can go right into the new tank, seamlessly. Putting the rock in as the water in the old tank goes down. Never had a problem.

Jekyl · May 3, 2024

There's bound to be some detritus stirred up in the moving process. It shouldn't be a problem to switch all in one day. Just make sure to have extra water ready in case a change is needed.