Skim while cycling?
 

hey do guys run a skimmer when cycling a tank with LR and LS

thanks
Tomm

It would speed up the cycle if you did :cool:

I agree, start as soon as the rock hits the tank. :biggrin:

Clinton

Doesn't the bacteria need something to eat? I'd wait 2 weeks before skimming.

Are you curing the rock? If so, skimming right of the bat is best.

skim right away, bacteria doesent need anything a skimmer will take out.

Steve

i would not skim for the first few weeks... :confused:

It seems to be a 50/50. I will have some new LR and base rock and LS to cycle if that helps

The new bacteria requires ammonia & nitrites to get started. I would think a skimmer would remove some of the organics responsible for this.

So, I would say if the rock is cured, then hold back on skimming for a bit.

I would run the skimmer if:
-- the rock is uncured, as there is enough organics to satisfy everone. :lol:

---or if running your lights already, to help against algae growth until cycled and snails can be added.

Which ever you decide, just monitor the cycle close and it will let you know which you should be doing.

douge if you add a substantial amount of cured live rock to a new tank you will not see a cycle. the rock will adsorb any of the amonia, nitrite, and nitrates. for a example 150lbs of established rock was enuf to handle the cycle in a total of 135 gal of water (my tank). I had 50 ppm of nitrate and amonia and nitrite leves the morning I put the rock in two days later I had 0 on all 3 tests.. I have never seen them in my tank sence.

now having said that not all rock will be created equal but if it was healthy rock I would estimate the results will be simular.

Steve

I would have to agree with that Steve. I may still hold back on skimming, if the rock is good quality. But thats would be the only situation, if any. I lean more to running the skimmer than not.