adding a large amount of water.

Martin H. Lawton · May 23, 2016

Hey, I am about to start a frag tank(~20 gallon) that will be using the same sump as my display tank(50 gallon). How would I add this amount of water without going through a mini cycle? I was thinking about just introducing the water anyways and watch my tests. But I want to know how someone would do this anyways.

brandon429 · May 23, 2016

http://reef2reef.com/threads/new-ta...d-cocktail-shrimp-live-rock-no-shrimp.214618/

That's how to skip a cycle in massive detail. Easy to do, I never cycle reef tanks the wait is boring. If I was partial to using dry rock and dry sand, I'd certainly cycle and wait. Adding extra volume water to any cycled, group b system cannot recycle it. The way bacteria are detailed as really tough in that thread should make your setup plans a go

nervousmonkey · May 23, 2016

+1, no worries to adding your frag tank. No mini cycle. Are you adding dead sand or dead rock to your frag tank or just adding a tank, water and racks?

azbigjohn · May 23, 2016

f.lloyd.taylor said:
+1, no worries to adding your frag tank. No mini cycle. Are you adding dead sand or dead rock to your frag tank or just adding a tank, water and racks?

This really is the key. If you are not adding anything that will colonize (such as rock or sand) there should be no cycle. Bacteria are found in the live rock and sand, not the water (in any significant amount). As long as you are simply adding water volume and inert materials (plastic) you should be fine.