Moved established tank, does it need to cycle again?

[Snoopdog]

I purchased a tank from a local here. The rock and sand stayed wet, but it did take quite a while to make enough water so we lost fish in the process. How long should I wait before introducing any fish to the tank? The remaining fish are eating and seems okay at this point. Also, will the tank have to cycle again?

 

[Paul B]

No, I think it will be fine. It takes bacteria a while to die but I wouldn't add fish very fast or to often for a few weeks.

I moved mine 2 years ago and nothing happened, but I also didn't lose anything.

 

[Homebrewer]

Exactly what @Paul B said. I moved mine twice within 4 months a while back and both times the system was not thrown out of its established cycle.

Also, the advice on adding slowly is sound. Always a good mantra to follow in this hobby.

 

[Snoopdog]

My plan is to do it while on vacation, which is exactly two weeks away. This way we can research every single pick to make sure everything will get along.

 

[Sump Crab]

If tank was truly established then you could have done move all in one day. 1 siphon as much clean water as possible in cooler. 2 siphon water into bucket. 3. Place rock with coral in cooler. 4. Rinse rocks without coral in bucket, then place in cooler. 5. Place fish in cooler. 6. Take everything to new location. 7. Remove all old sand and add new sand. 8. Add water, pouring over empty sand bag, until about 1/2 full. 9. Fill up rest of tank with water from cooler and turn on pumps (leave enough water for fish in cooler). 10. Place rocks in tank. 11. Place fish in tank.

Done this too many times to remember and only lost 2 fish one time during the actual transport.

 

[Snoopdog]

If tank was truly established then you could have done move all in one day. 1 siphon as much clean water as possible in cooler. 2 siphon water into bucket. 3. Place rock with coral in cooler. 4. Rinse rocks without coral in bucket, then place in cooler. 5. Place fish in cooler. 6. Take everything to new location. 7. Remove all old sand and add new sand. 8. Add water, pouring over empty sand bag, until about 1/2 full. 9. Fill up rest of tank with water from cooler and turn on pumps (leave enough water for fish in cooler). 10. Place rocks in tank. 11. Place fish in tank.

Done this too many times to remember and only lost 2 fish one time during the actual transport.

I agree I could had done better. Back in the day I had more containers available to store water.

 

[rwreef]

No, I recently moved a 20l into a 38g tank. No issues since all the beneficial bacteria was available to process ammonia.