New tank cycling opinions?

[jtesdall]

I am looking for some opinions on the steps I should take on adding another tank to my system. Currently I have a 55 with a 30 sump/fuge. I am planning on starting up another 55 this weekend to begin cycling. I want to add this 55 to the my current system and run it off of the same sump/fuge giving me about 130 gross gallons.

So here are my options as I see them:

1. Fill new tank with water, sand and connect it directly to the current sump.

2. Setup new tank and let it completely cycle before adding it to the system.

What are others opinions? I am leaning towards #2 for safety, but it seems like #1 may be OK since I already have a well established tank and this will only increase the volume. I certainly don't want to crash what I have.

[lllosingit]

Here is what I would do, Rather than fill the new tank and add it to the system all at once. Why not lessen the shock by doing a couple 15 or 20 gallon water changes over a few days on the system you have running now and place that water in the new tank with a heater and power head.
When your ready to plumb the systems together the water chemistry should be a very close match.

[jtesdall]

Thats sounds like a good plan. I was planning on doing a water change and using that to start off the new tank. But a couple may even be better. Like you say, lessen the shock to the new tank by not diluting all at once.

[musty baby]

Um, will you not have a 90 to start up as well?

[jtesdall]

Yes, but I didn't go there yet. The second 55 comes first, then I am replacing the current 55 with a 90 I am getting from a trimspa man.

By the way, when is that happening?