Should the skimmer be in the sump during

[caljah]

the cycle process? I just put in 100 lb of live sand in my tank, 40 lb of live rocks ( i need more), the salinity is 1.025 ( checked with a refractometer).
In the sump i have about 10 lb of sand and 10 lb of rock. I am about to start the water flow, my question in should i also be running the skimmer now or later.

Thank you

 

[prattreef]

Now.

 

[caljah]

thanks

 

[jaa1456]

You don't need the skimmer now, wait until it is cycled then run it.

 

[richardhmc]

Now.

+1

What I did was my tank was run skimmer the moment I put my rocks and water in. I did have die off and spikes and whatnot so the skimmer did help out with taking out gunk.

 

[jaa1456]

You want that stuff in there as it cycles, The die off is not gonna keep up the nitrates afterwards. But with the skimmer you are removing the food that the bacteria feeds on during the cycle.

 

[caljah]

Now I am confused. Can a few others please comment.

Thanks

 

[Og Drogon]

I don't see why the uses of a skimmer is needed, you are in the cycle phase, there is no fish waste,organic matter to skim .... The die off from the live rock is part of the "CYCLE" don't rush that part as it is important ...IMO ;-)

 

[caljah]

That make sense to me. I love this site. Thanks

 

[richardhmc]

Yeah, I was told to leave the skimmer off as well. I just kept it on though just to see how it worked and see if it would take out any gunk