It's up to you, either way but not together, The thing with Tims is that you won't get any Amm, Nitite, Nitrate readings. So I find it to be a bit confusing, I did try it but I won't again. If you don't then while circulating put a small pinch of Flake in every 3 days and then start testing after a week, 1st thing your testing for is Amm, when you achieve it, Then Nitrte, Then Nitrate. Then when it drops to Zero, Add Fish. I think you and the family will enjoy doing it this way, Good Luck.