The Right Time To Skim...
 

When is the right time to start skimming when setting up a new tank? I filled my tank with water last weekend, and added LR I purchased from another reefer. I havent fired up my skimmer yet as I was thinking I should maybe let the bacteria etc, from the rock populate the water column a little.

I start skimming as soon as I have rock in the tank...

For me, it depends on what stock is going in the tank, and how well the rock is cured. If the rock is already cured then going skimmerless isn't an issue. If the rock is uncured I would hook up the skimmer right away. If the rock has been "cooking" for an overly long period of time I will often go skimmerless for several weeks or even several months on a softie or LPS tank. For an SPS tank, I always go hard on the skimming as soon as the rock gets in the tank no matter the source.

If you are going to start skimming right away, make sure to keep up with your water quality tests. Skimming also removes trace elements, like calcium.

Mitch

I would start skimming right away.


http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/2/aafeature