When do I start skimming

[ayionna06]

I just restarted my tank using reef salt. I also placed in new rocks that I cured myself and new tropic Eden sand. I'm following the instructions of dosing bio s everyday for the first 14 days. I've looked around and can't find any info on when to skim.
I also read to start pro bio s and np pro after the 2 weeks of bio s. My other question is is it necessary to run carbon and phosphate minus during the 14 days of bio s? My po4 are reading 0

 

[plyle02]

I would begin skimming right away, the skimmer will help process laden nutrients that may be bound in the rocks. I would run carbon, but you can probably get away with no phos minus until you begin stocking the tank. Cheers!

 

[ayionna06]

Yes but if I start skimming now won't it take out the needed nutrients from the bacteria

 

[plyle02]

Yes,
This is the idea, keeping nutrients very low, then you can begin stocking, as you do, the need to increase NP Pro and Pro Bio S to normal daily dosing will happen as you expand your bio-load. With no nutrients, NO3 and PO4, you really only need to do 1/2 or less of these daily doses. The skimmer is what pulls the nutrients low, the carbon and bacteria helps the skimmer in terms of efficiency, so it is a necessary component in the system. This will also help to keep you from having a bacteria bloom, which won't hurt an un-stocked tank.