Main Menu
| |
Get on the Map!
| |
Forum Menu
| | 
02-08-2005, 05:54 PM
|
#1 (permalink)
| | Plankton
Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: ,
Posts: 1
Karma: 1
 |  When do I start Protein Skimmer
I am just getting into the hobby. My 72 gal tank is now 8 weeks old. I have some soft coral and about 10 fish. The man at the store I bought the system told me to wait about three months before starting protein skimmer. He said bacteria needs to form in the sand. Is this good advice? | 
|  | | Reef Links |  | |
02-08-2005, 09:40 PM
|
#2 (permalink)
| | Giant Squid
Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Marina del Rey, California
Posts: 3,524
| Re: When do I start Protein Skimmer
Welcome rkdoc!
Protein skimmers remove dissolved organic compounds (DOCs). This has nothing to do with the denitrification process or the bacteria that the LFS referred to. I would start skimming ASAP! The level of bacteria are a function of bioload and with ten fish you have a good sized bioload, especially for an 8 week old 72 gallon. Slow down and skim to protect your investment in livestock. _________ Just tryin to recreate God's perfection in a glass bowl. 20 Gallon Reef W/Live Rock, mated pair of Maroon Clowns, Softies, 110 watts PC 10,000k lighting, and skimmer.  | |
| | |
02-08-2005, 09:56 PM
|
#3 (permalink)
| | Banned
Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Posts: 327
Karma: 5
| Re: When do I start Protein Skimmer
Wow that is alot of bling bling in your pimped 72!!!
hope it's a good size skimmer too...rated 150 gal or so...with 20" spinners!!!!
j/k !!! 
Scoffer | |
| | |
02-09-2005, 05:25 AM
|
#4 (permalink)
| | Whip-Lash Squid
Join Date: May 2004 Location: PhillySuburbs, Pennsylvania Age: 42
Posts: 2,947
| Re: When do I start Protein Skimmer
Yup! What Craig said! Get to Skimming!
Are you sure the LFS guy didn't say to start skimming and wait 3 months for the bacteria to grow before adding fish? That is better advice!  
My tank is 6 months old with only 2 fish!  _________  I Love My Sig By John Hawkins!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date Started 9/04 58 gallon Oceanic Tank, 20 gal DIY sump/fuge w/ Kent Marine Auto top-off, Air Water Ice RO/DI, 10,000 K 175 W MH, 2 VHO 03's 96W each, AquaC EV 120 Skimmer
80 lbs LR, DSB in FUGE, 1 - 2 " LS in tank
Black Brittle Star, Chevron Tang, Crocea Clam, red & green Lobophyllia, Frogspawn, Porites Frag, Caulastrea Frag, Green Ricordia, Asst. Zoas, hermits, astreas, stomatellas, fighting conch | |
| | |
02-09-2005, 07:11 PM
|
#5 (permalink)
| | Torch Coral
Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: St. Paul/Woodbury, Minnesota Age: 50
Posts: 1,181
| Re: When do I start Protein Skimmer
I'd think about finding another LFS. You have too many fish for that size tank, especially if you want to keep corals. I only have 6 fish in my 120g FOWLR and 3 fish in my 75g reef! Start skimming ASAP! _________ 75g reef with Nova Extreme 8 bulb HO T-5 lighting, refuge, Remora skimmer, DSB, Seio powerheads, Acro's, LPS corals, assorted zoo's & mushrooms, Yellow Tang, Maroon Clown, Blue Cleaner Goby , Cleaner, Fire and Sexy Shrimp, Coco Worm, T.Crocea Clam, Derasa Clam
120g FOWLR, 260w Orbit power compact lights, Remora Pro skimmer, 30g DIY Sump/Refuge, DSB,Seio Power heads, Powder Blue Tang, Purple Tang, Flag Fin Angel, False Eye Puffer, Copperbanded Butterfly and a Moorish Idol  | |
| | | Reef Links |  | 
Posting Rules
| You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off | | | All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:19 AM. |
