Skimmer, is it really necessary during cycling?

[d3javu]

I read in a few places that a Skimmer is not really necessary during cycling process since it cleans out the bacteria that is necessary for the process to complete. Infact I remember reading that it could actually slow it down.
Can any one verify this?

Also, Any recomendations for a 30 Gallon FO, or FOWLR setup?

-J

[OoNickoC]

True, from my experience that it is not only uneeded but does infact seem to interupt the clycle. Plus there wont be much to skim without anything that "poops". As for the setup ild go with FOWLR, they seem to be more stable and can house a wider variety of fish. My only other piece of advise (and the best one.... is to let the tank sit with nothing but LR and LS as long you possibly can. The more time between adding water and adding fish...the better of youll be in the long run (to an extent).

[JohnO]

d3javu,

IMHO it depends a bit on how much live rock/sand you start with, even fully cured LR will have some die off and if that happens you really should have a protein skimmer or cannister filter running to remove the waste. If on the other hand you only start with a samll amount of LR then you can probably get away with no filtration.

BTW what SeA_SpLeNdEr wrote!

quote " let the tank sit with nothing but LR and LS as long you possibly can. The more time between adding water and adding fish...the better of youll be in the long run (to an extent). " unquote

is some of the best advice you will ever get, take it slow and you will succeed without any effort at all :-)

John

[d3javu]

Thanks, I will start with a small amout of LR while I let my wallet go through its cycling process

[dx7fd2]

I didn't put the skimmer into play until after the third month and even then there is not a lot to skim. It is helpful when blowing off the rock and helps remove detritus. Critters (snails, crabs and shrimp) have been added slowly over the whole time. I put one piece of coral after the fourth month and will be adding one or so a month for several months. I will not be adding fish until after the fifth month.

Drew
Slow is the way to go, there are always so many things to learn there is no need for moving to quickly!!

[Scoffer]

[quote author=d3javu link=board=Newbie;num=1101774066;start=0#3 date=11/30/04 at 06:24:24]Thanks, I will start with a small amout of LR while I let my wallet go through its cycling process [/quote]


IMHO, I'd put all the LR in I could at the beginning. After the tank cycles, you dont want to come back and add a bunch more rock.

It will make the whole cycle start over again. I started with 55lbs in my 75g...and it wasn't enough!!!


but a single dead shrimp in the tank will make it cycle....read as much as you can before making a move!!! then you'll be a best prepared as you can...

Good Luck!

Scoffer