Adding Another Tank

[mmckaig]

I have a 150 currently with a remote sump, I want to add another tank, probably a 75. I am assuming I can run both tanks on the same sump???

I assume I cycle the new tank (without the sump) once that is good to go then I can plumb new tank to sump with old tank?

I am assuming that there are others on here that have done this

Thanks

 

[Sewerat]

Just add the new tank and circulate. It's really not any different then a large water change. Get new tank up and running at correct salinity and at least room temperature then start the circulation into the sump. Make sure your skimmer is large enough for the bioload you may encounter and also make sure your sump can handle any extra load of water from the new tank should hydro go out on you, you wouldn't want to overflow the sump.

 

[barebottomcouple]

Just add the new tank and circulate. It's really not any different then a large water change. Get new tank up and running at correct salinity and at least room temperature then start the circulation into the sump. Make sure your skimmer is large enough for the bioload you may encounter and also make sure your sump can handle any extra load of water from the new tank should hydro go out on you, you wouldn't want to overflow the sump.

1+ unless you are cycling new substrate and rock then I would do it separately and plumb together when cycle is though and tests match other tank... otherwise almost guarantee system crash

 

[Sewerat]

If new dry rock? Nothing to crash systems crash because no bacteria growth on rocks and inhabitants added too soon before ready to support bioload. If just a box and no new load will readily accept into system and add room for mor bacteria

 

[mmckaig]

what if I buy LR from a LFS how will I need to cycle that too or will I be OK VS dry live rock. I was also thinking I could "precure" some rock in a brute bin?

Thanks guys appreciate the help

 

[Sewerat]

You get some die off with live rock just bringing it home, it's the decay of that death that creates the nitrogen cycle with LR. Myself I would add water to system set it up get it running and then aquascape new tank. Once ready add habitants. It's what I did just before Xmas, I then tore down the one tank which in turn stirred up a bunch but nothing ever Ike's into dangerous levels because I already had lots of bacteria in sump live rock and the rock I transferred over

 

[mmckaig]

so you're saying setup, rock and roll, add rock from LFS (I can add some a little at a time) and I will be good to go vs, doing a full cycle as I had to do when my system was totally new...

Thanks

 

[Sewerat]

As long as you are not adding anymore critters to the system, just rock and perhaps a few CC. But imho it's what I did a few times and what I plan to do when I add the 150. Your water doesn't hold the bacteria the rocks and substrate do so adding water at the correct parameters is only like diluting whatever bad you might currently have