To run or NOT TO run skimmer during cycling?

[Chris Vo]

I started running my tank 12/21/2013. Pretty sure I have a long way to go before the tank is cycled. Probably a stupid question? But do I run my skimmer while I wait for my tank to cycle?

Also, I put a bottle of BioSpira into the tank once I had it up and running. Is there anything else I should do? I saw that someone put a table shrimp in their tank as a "more potent source of ammonia". Grateful for the help!

Patiently waiting,
Chris:smile:

 

[chris koci]

.

 

[duromega]

Chris a table shrimp is a good way to speed up the cycle and yes keep your skimmer running

 

[Waleedwale1]

Might as well help the skimmer break in at the same time. Take off the collection clup and let it run.

 

[Chris Vo]

Thanks Chris Koci, duromega, and Waleedwale1? Will run skimmer and put a shrimp into my tank.

 

[JARRETT SHARK]

I always seed a tank with live rock and not sure what skimmer you have but not all skimmers need to be broken in

 

[Chris Vo]

Thanks Jarrett. I have 40 lbs of live sand and 50+ lbs of live rock in the tank already.

For those of you who put a table shrimp in your tank to jumpstart the cycle, how long is it in there for?

 

[duromega]

Thanks Jarrett. I have 40 lbs of live sand and 50+ lbs of live rock in the tank already.

For those of you who put a table shrimp in your tank to jumpstart the cycle, how long is it in there for?

until your water test positive for ammonia

 

[Affordable Aquatic]

I would run the skimmer especially if you are curing rock. It should speed up the cycle because you will be removing excess waste caused by the decomposing live matter on the rocks. Without the skimmer you will be waiting for nature to take its course and 'digest' a large load of waste with a small crew of bacteria.

Certainly no harm in running it now.

 

[LongIslandAndy]

i would run the skimmer especially if you are curing rock. It should speed up the cycle because you will be removing excess waste caused by the decomposing live matter on the rocks. Without the skimmer you will be waiting for nature to take its course and 'digest' a large load of waste with a small crew of bacteria.

Certainly no harm in running it now.

+1

 

[jdnumis]

+1

+2

 

[Clink51]

the only problem i have with running a skimmer during the initial break in period is that its tough to dial in with no actual waste coming out of it. but, much like the over filtration question, i dont see an issue

 

[Ralphy4321]

Thanks Jarrett. I have 40 lbs of live sand and 50+ lbs of live rock in the tank already.

For those of you who put a table shrimp in your tank to jumpstart the cycle, how long is it in there for?

Leave Table Shrimp in there one week.

 

[reefer4eva]

the only problem i have with running a skimmer during the initial break in period is that its tough to dial in with no actual waste coming out of it. but, much like the over filtration question, i dont see an issue

My tank been setup for awhile and I'm still trying to dial the skimmer in..personal preference

 

[Bigbpro916]

Run it! It can't hurt anything.