Moving everything to a different tank??

So, I am downsizing my 33 gallon to a 10gal. I will have to sell a few of my fish but oh well. Can I just transfer the live sand and rock and filter to the 10gal and it won't go into a cycle? Because I only have that one filter and such so I can't be running both tanks. I have done this with a freshwater tank before and it never re-cycld or anything on me, I'm just wondering if it will work the same for saltwater? I can't see why not, I just thought i would ask. I only have hardy corals, i don't have any sensitive ones, should they be ok?

 

Sounds OK
only issue that would concern me is the sand bed
how deep is it and how long has it been set up?

disturbing a deep sand bed that has been in place a long time, can release trapped polutants/ gases etc that can create issues

generally, if its less than 2 inches, and been in place less than 6 months, a quick rinse in old tank water and then relocating to new tank is normally OK
if its deeper and /or older - then I would be tempted to dump it anyway and add a new dry sand bed later

try to ensure rocks stay wet during transfer, they are OK out of water for short periods but do not let them dry out

as you have 23 gallons of spare water, I would use that to rinse the rockwork before moving it to the 10 also , as that will help ensure new tank remains relatively clear after set up

if it where me
I would syphon about 7 gallons from the old to the new
and then syphon 5 gallons into a bucket or empty tub
move corals to this holding tub
swish the rocks around in the balance of water in the 33
transfer rocks into the 10 (the ones you are keeping)
at this stage, fish can then be easily netted and transfered to holding tub ( move the balance of rocks out the way and thus only leaving water and sand bed, makes capturing fish really easy IME)
once rocks are out of 33 - using a mesh aquarium net, remove sand and rinse in the water still in DT - transfer to 10
take filter from 33 and add to 10
remove corals from holding bucket and arrange on rockwork in 10
remove the fish you are going to keep from 33 and locate in 10
if the water is not up to level , add more water from holding tub

once all above is done, plug the filter in.

 

Thanks so much! This has really given me an idea on how to do this. Now I just have to wait for my bulbs for the 10gal to come in the mail! thanks.