Run powerheads at startup?

[mmarisca]

I am filling up my 90 gallon and will have all the filtration up and running this weekend. Do I need to be running my powerheads while I'm waiting for my tank to cycle?

 

[mcgyvr]

no..

 

[jinks]

If you are cycling your tank you dont really need the filters running but i would keep the power heads on.

 

[Jritter02]

Good question. I'm in the exact same boat

 

[Dan_P]

There is no down side to running powerheads during cycling. The bacteria developing in the cycling phase use oxygen to oxidize ammonia and nitrites and need carbon dioxide for their carbon source. But you do not need to.

 

[whosurcaddie]

Live rock creates its own detritus you need to have your powerheads running to lift some of that away.

 

[Triggercdog]

I always ran all my power heads and skimmer during cycling just so I could get a feel for the equipment...it gave me time to adjust the skimmer exactly the way I wanted and adjust the power heads according to the flow I needed...it won't matter either way on which you choose....