I will have to disagree and say run the skimmer! I understand where you guys are coming from with not running it, however, I would employ the use of a skimmer and carbon as well. The only thing I would refrain from is doing water changes during the cycling stage.
The reasons for using the skimmer initially is oxygen replenishment, removal of dissolved organics and inorganics, and increased water flow in a nut shell without getting too technical. _________ 125gal.w/Mag9.5 return(dual megaflow)>Mag7 pump Aqua Cev180skimmer.Wave2k Hamilton Reefstar(2)250watthqi(mh)pend.a Yellow, Naso Tang Red Lip Blenny Percula Clown Demoiselles Niger Trigger F. Wrasses Ceriantharia Orn.Shrimp and Stars Hermits Queen Conch asst. snails> Stars Zoos shrooms Montipora Brains Gorgonians Favia Turbinaria(large+small polyp) Acropora Xenia Tridacna (CroceaMaximaSquamosa) Leathers <35+75gal.reef tank as well> 
"IF THE PHONE DOESN'T RING...IT'S ME"  jb  |