combining 2 nano reefs into a 46g bowfront

[clearerphish]

today I am going to combine both nano reefs into a 46g bowfront.

Am I correct in thinking if I add all my exisiting LR to normal PH seawater of the proper temp that I will not need to cycle? I will basically be setting the bowfront up while leaving the other two tanks up, then moving the LR/corals/fish into the bowfront as I disassemble both nanos and clean the tanks for resale.

Should I just go on and cycle for 30 days? I could leave both tanks up if there is a need, but for space/time considerations I'd like to just go on and handle it today.

All responses appreciated.

[clearerphish]

oh I should probably add the LR for both tanks comes to around 85-100 lbs.

[mr_X]

you should be fine transferring everything over all at once. how old are these nanos? if they are older than 6 months, i would probably not want to move the sand over.

[clearerphish]

both have been up for around 4 years - thanks for the note about the sand. I'm planning to put new sand in and then seed it with 2 cups from each tank. It's been awhile since I did anything other than a pwc though so I just needed a little confirmation before I started going all crazy.

[carey]

You may be able to just put in the new sand without seeding any live sand since you have a really good amount of live rock that is cycled and ready to go. The old sand is most likely full of chemicals you dont' want to put in a new tank anyways. Stirring up the old sand can release them, especially nitrates, I had that issue with a tank upgrade myself.

[clearerphish]

[mr_X]

looks good! 15 chars!

[Thegrumpyfish]

Nice tank that 46gal bowfront looks bigger than my 200gal tank