Protein skimmer in new tank

[BrianGalway]

Hello all,

I am currently cycling a new reef aquarium. I have an Aquaone G216 protein skimmer in-tank that has been running for 4 days. The water outputting from the skimmer is quite white. I put some in a small pot, let it settle and the sediment in the pot was salt. The specific gravity of the tank is fine but I'm just wondering if this is normal for a new protein skimmer in a cycling tank and if so how long it might last?

Thanks,

Brian

 

[lapin]

Since you are cycling a new aquarium you can turn off the skimmer. You have nothing to skim out. New sand, that is not totally rinsed is a more common cause for cloudy skimmer water. I did have a batch of salt that was not clear when mixed up. That had nothing to do with the skimmer.

 

[mcgyvr]

Absolutely not normal and quite frankly makes no sense..
How do you know its salt and not fine sand sediment or something else?

In general there is no problem running a skimmer in a new tank and you can do it if you want.. They typically require a break in period so might as well break it in now..But yes its unlikely that you will have much if any output..
I'd turn it down some too but what you are saying doesn't make much sense..