Moving to bigger tank. Cycling question

[VashonBigs]

I have a well established healthy 45 gallon reef tank. I am getting a new 120 gallon dream setup that should be delivered in a week or two. I am eventually going to take down my 45, but I am not sure the order of operations as it relates to tank cycling. I am planning on getting a bunch of new rock from Tampa Bay. I have a bunch of rock, fish, coral in existing tank. Should I cycle with my Tampa Bay live rock, then add my existing rock? Or add both at same time? Or??? Thanks!!

 

[ReefReadyYouTube]

Definitely cycle the tank first before adding coral. Wait till the nitrite & ammonia are gone and nitrates are low. You may be able to get away with adding soft corals right away. I’ve done that before and nothing ever happened to them.

 

[Fish4udog]

You could transfer the water out of your 45 and all live rock into the 120 using new water to make up the difference then add your livestock. Just to be safe I would use the 45 to cure your new rock until there's no detectable ammonia there is always a degree of die off on any new live rock