Water testing questions/concerns

[kevNnic]

i can vent the top of the tank more if that is whats needed. I have a protein skimmer but was told not to use it while the tank cycles because it will cause a longer cycle and remove some of the bacteria i need to complete it. Is this true or should i be running the skimmer?

I have a lot of little debris and floaties at the top of the tank rigth now which arent really pretty much thats most likly due to the skimmer not running.

[Madreefer]

Originally Posted by kevNnic

I have a protein skimmer but was told not to use it while the tank cycles because it will cause a longer cycle and remove some of the bacteria i need to complete it. Is this true or should i be running the skimmer?

I have never heard of this or read about it. I would turn the skimmer on.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by kevNnic

I have a protein skimmer but was told not to use it while the tank cycles because it will cause a longer cycle and remove some of the bacteria i need to complete it. Is this true or should i be running the skimmer?

That is untrue. You should use the skimmer as soon as the rock goes in the tank. The nitrifying bacteria primarily inhabit surfaces like the rock and sand. There is very little bacteria in the water column in comparison.

[kevNnic]

well i just put the skimmer back in. I heard from a few sources on other sites not to use it. But its back in the tank now so i will take another reading here soon.

Thanks for the quick feedback.

really appreciate it.

Kevin

[freezetyle]

Originally Posted by kevNnic

well i just put the skimmer back in. I heard from a few sources on other sites not to use it. But its back in the tank now so i will take another reading here soon.

Thanks for the quick feedback.

really appreciate it.

Kevin

That should help oxygenate the water even with the glass cover over top. would probably put you in the pH ranges your looking for. plus if you start running your skimmer now it will be all broken in by the time your ready for fish. keep us posted

[kevNnic]

i will definetly keep you all posted on the updates.

Thanks again

Lol growing slowly impatient, i didn't think waiting would be this hard.