Tank Addition to Existing System

[WillH]

I am going to be adding a new 50 gallon tank to an existing 250 gallon system by tying it into a shared sump. I plan on using a shallow live sand bed, 80% dry rock and 20% live rock.

I was planning to 'cycle' my rock in a quarantine tank that is not attached to my main sump prior to moving it in there, does this make sense? Is this going to be like a normal cycle where its a few weeks and I just look for the end of the cycle and then I can move things into the main system and start get things going? Can I or should I add the new tank onto the existing system immediately with sand only, while I cure the rock? Anything I should look out for? I have only ever started a tank once, so any help is appreciated.

My existing tank is 1.5 years old and above all else, I do not want to compromise anything in there while starting to add this tank in. I plan on dipping the live rock I do add in revive.

 

[Troy V]

I did something similar with a 240 gallon tank and a 60 gallon frag tank.
Since you plan on keeping a shallow sand bed. I would add sand from your primary tank to kick start the new tank. If you do this you will be fine with adding everything at the same time. Your 250 gallon system will cycle the 50 gallon tank very quickly. On mine I used a since 2 for a return pump. Cheers.

This was my setup.