Seeding a new tank w/ existing Live Sand

[AndyH5512]

I am starting a new tank, and want to take some live sand from my established 120 gallon to "jump start" it. The new tank is 50 gallons. How much sand should I transfer from my 120, and how much does this really help the cycle? Thanks.

 

[schoeplein]

A cup or so should do it. And yes it does help.

 

[lando]

Great idea. I would up it to 3 cups. Spread it on top of the new substrate.

 

[mastershake]

you could probably use howeever much you need to get a good inch thick layer, your 120 wont miss it especially if you just add all the new sand to the big tank after taking the cultured stuff, then in a month you could probably take some more, keep replacing the sand in the 120 and youll be able to use all the old sand in the new tank and keep replacing it in the big one, shouldnt hurt it as long as you do it slow, dont take more than like a quarter or a third at a time, depending on how deep it is in the 120 should be fine

 

[AndyH5512]

Thanks for the advice!