Swapping Tanks-Livestock tranfer-Sand bed

[mic_1011]

I will be changing out my tank soon to a different one. my question is mainly about the sand. if you stir up the sand you get a serious ammonia spike. so i'm guessing to just use new sand (dead sand). am i right? or is there a way to use the sand in a new tank? my other question is if you're using the same water and rock-transferring the water rock and livestock should not be an issue? correct? or will it go into another cycle anyway?

 

[xxxAngeloxxx]

IMO you can transfer the water into some empty buckets. Then scoup up the live sand with a small bucket. The put it into your new tank.

 

[albano]

IMO you can transfer the water into some empty buckets. Then scoup up the live sand with a small bucket. The put it into your new tank.

A terrible idea...unless you rinse the sand, thoroughly with salt water.
I have done this many, many times, without problems.
The key is rinsing until as much 'cloudiness' as possible, is removed...use the old tank water to rinse.

 

[mic_1011]

Thanks alfie. Appreciate it. I figured dumping it right back in would be bad news

 

[KathyC]

BUT - it is a good idea to take the water you want to keep out of the tank first before it becomes polluted when you disturb the sand bed.
Like Alfie said - DO rinse the sane w/SW before you reuse it