Skimmer Question

[Dolomiteclay]

I started my tank a few days ago with 60 lbs of live sand and about 15 pounds of live rock (72 gallon). My cycle is starting and other than a little tinkering with the pump and overflow box, all is going well. I was just wonder when I should install my skimmer and if it is OK to have the skimmer sitting right next to the intake in the sump or if I should have it positioned in its own partition.

 

[shavo]

I think you can wait a while to turn on the skimmer, You might want to get it installed just to make sure everything works properly. I have my skimmer on the intake side of the sump and all is ok! Also you might want to consider getting more rock earlier than later, depending on what you are attempting to do. If you plan on having more rock I would do it now because when you get the new rock it is going to have to cure (cycle) again and you will get ammonia spikes so it wouldn't be good to ad livestock. or just buy cured rock

 

[Dolomiteclay]

I was thinking that as well. I really need to find a good place to order it because the 15 pounds I got from the lfs was 90 bucks.

 

[shavo]

look on craigs list in your area for people breaking down salt tanks. I searched for live rock in philly and always see people selling it. cheap

 

[ChrisRD]

I generally just run the skimmer from day 1. No real reason not to IMO/IME...

I agree - get the rockscaping the way you want it sooner rather than later. Then give things time to settle in.

Personally, I don't care for a ton of rock in a reef setup as I like to leave room for coral growth and fishes to swim. :wink:

 

[SnowManSnow]

IMO I would go ahead and let it rip.. It can't do anything but help clean the water.

B

 

[Dolomiteclay]

Thanks for the advice guys. I haven't found anyone in the area selling live rock at a discounted price so I will probably just order it. I'll go on ahead and set up the skimmer now too.

 

[shavo]

you guys up for a skimmer argument??? lol just kidding