Water change

[Reefman97]

If I do a 50% water change will I start a new cycle?

 

[Kristy3693]

No, the bacteria is in the sand and rock, not the water. But you can shock fish and corals with that large of a water change, say if there is a temp difference or salt level difference. Why do you want to do such a large one?

 

[Reefman97]

No, the bacteria is in the sand and rock, not the water. But you can shock fish and corals with that large of a water change, say if there is a temp difference or salt level difference. Why do you want to do such a large one?

I had to move the tank 4 hours and could only move 50% of the water, the fish are currently in a 10 gallon holding tank till the 80 gallon tank is ready to go. Fish are doing great. The sand though was moved a lot. Will this not hurt anything? And air pockets in the sand be releasing anything bad? How long should I hold the fish in the 10 gallon for?

 

[Kristy3693]

The sand is questionable. When I moved a 120 gal tank, I bought new sand. But you can rinse your sand a hundred times until it runs clear, then use it. And 50% new water is fine, just acclimate your fish like they are new. They only have to be in there until you have it up and rolling again.

 

[Kristy3693]

Here is what happened to the sand I moved and why I got all new. See all the black, that is all dead stuff ready to release toxins into the tank.

 

[Reefman97]

Here is what happened to the sand I moved and why I got all new. See all the black, that is all dead stuff ready to release toxins into the tank.

Yikes, well I hope for the best in my sand, so far it just looks like it did back home. Hope It stays that way

 

[reefermadness52]

I have a deep sand bed in my reef that has taken over a year to mature nicely to the point I can see nitrogen bubbles rise when I gently, GENNTLY move the sand. This is a sign that complete nitrification and denitrification is happening, A Good Thing. What you see, the black is an indication of hydrogen sulfide, a bad thing. Hang in there if you're doing a deep sand be. It'll get there but personally I only do 25 % water changes and bi-weekly to monthly depending on my nitrate test results. I don't panic if I see higher readings, as high as 40-80 ppm. This would trigger a 25 % water change for me... The results are pictured here...