Honestly with all the issues you were having in the old tank, I would just start completely new with all new sand water and rock if possible. That being said, if that's not an option then you could use all the water from your current tank (except the last few gallons which will.be nasty from all the moving) but don't use any sand except maybe a few cups. I just did an upgrade in sept. And did it all in one day
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Red bugs feed on acropora only. They may walk or be blown from one part of the tank to another, and be "on" another coral, but they cannot feed on it and absent acropora, will die. I would do a long fallow period if you choose to move livestock or rock into the new tank before adding any acros, 2-3 months.
What about my encrusting monti's and LPS? Can I transfer them without worrying about redbugs? I don't plan on going heavy on the rock so new rock doesn't bother me I just don't want to have to trash corals and critters just so I don't get redbugs.
Could I do very minimal LR and clean my current rock and add later? I really like a few rocks I have already. Also how will you know if the new rock needs to be cycled.
So I have another problem. I have a little manderine, wont it starve out in a freshly cycled tank?