I am in the process of setting up a new tank for my octopus. It's being built this weekend. My plan is to include it into my SW system that is already established.
I have a 55 gal display tank attached to a 55 gal sump. Off the sump I have two more tanks, one 20 gal refugium and one 20 gal invert only tank. All these tanks share the same water and all have live rock in them. My total water volume is probably around 120 gallons.
I intend to add roughly 30-40lbs of live rock to the new octopus tank (48 gal) and a very thin layer of sand.
I am wondering what the best approach would be to cycling the new tank. Should I put the new, cured live rock into the tank, fill it with water and introduce it into the main water system? or should I keep that tank seperate for a few days/weeks/months?
I do have a spare skimmer and a couple of powerheads kicking around that I could run on the new tank while it cycles . Perhaps that would be best?
I am really unsure of the best way to introduce this tank into the system.
Any help/advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.
PS If I do run the tank seperate while it cycles will I need to heat the water too or is room temperature okay?
I have a 55 gal display tank attached to a 55 gal sump. Off the sump I have two more tanks, one 20 gal refugium and one 20 gal invert only tank. All these tanks share the same water and all have live rock in them. My total water volume is probably around 120 gallons.
I intend to add roughly 30-40lbs of live rock to the new octopus tank (48 gal) and a very thin layer of sand.
I am wondering what the best approach would be to cycling the new tank. Should I put the new, cured live rock into the tank, fill it with water and introduce it into the main water system? or should I keep that tank seperate for a few days/weeks/months?
I do have a spare skimmer and a couple of powerheads kicking around that I could run on the new tank while it cycles . Perhaps that would be best?
I am really unsure of the best way to introduce this tank into the system.
Any help/advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.
PS If I do run the tank seperate while it cycles will I need to heat the water too or is room temperature okay?