When to add skimmer?

[GovernorG]

I am currently in the middle of my cycle, I cycled using the raw shrimp method.

I was told to not setup my protein skimmer before the cycling process... although when is the proper time to set up my skimmer?

Any help is appreciated... thanks!

 

[ladynavyvet]

One fairly new to this forum to another, needing more details. Personally I'm curious, what's the raw shrimp method? I've had a saltwater tank for a year, and have never heard of it before.

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[Kmiller035]

It involves dropping a dead piece of shrimp in a tank to start the cycle. Dead shrimp decays creating ammonia, bacteria multiplies and breaks down ammonia...few weeks later tank is cycled.


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[banthonyb71]

in a new aquarium a piece of shrimp is used to start the nitrogen cycle as there is no fish or decaying matter in the beginning to start the cycle. the decaying shrimp creates an ammonia spike, bacteria breaks ammonia down into nitrite, another form of bacteria breaks nitrite into nitrate which is then also broken down and cycle starts over.


OP. I would wait until after you have added your livestock after the tank is finished cycling.

 

[banthonyb71]

it doesnt actually need to be a piece of shrimp. any type of decaying organic matter will start the cycle. Its just common practice I guess to use shrimp.

 

[PirateToast]

This is a bizarre thread. Once your tank is cycled you can turn it on. You could also wait until you add your first fish.

 

[bcb577]

I used the raw shrimp method,and it was simple to get the cycle started

 

[JUNBUG361]

I think you can use, your skimmer while your tank is in cycle stage. Adding shrimp or chemicals(not necessary) to a fresh tank, is just to help jump start the system

 

[A sea K]

You can add your skimmer whenever you like. I started my skimmers right from the get go on every system I've done. I prefer it this way especially when dealing with a new skimmer. Its gives the skimmer time to fully break in while the tank is cycling. If there is any adverse effect to this method I never realized it.

 

[sde1500]

^^ agree with this, start it now to get it broken in.

Also wouldn't hurt to run it for a while outside the tank in some water/vinegar to clean out the oils from it.

 

[homer1475]

You can add your skimmer whenever you like. I started my skimmers right from the get go on every system I've done. I prefer it this way especially when dealing with a new skimmer. Its gives the skimmer time to fully break in while the tank is cycling. If there is any adverse effect to this method I never realized it.

+2

I run my new skimmers on a new tank from the get go. It allows time for the skimmer to "break in"(gets a nice coat of biofilm) so when you add your first inhabitants it's working right and not trying to "break in".

 

[zsuman101]

As soon as you add live rock and light you start skimming

 

[GovernorG]

Thank you to everyone who has responded. I have heard both opinions about when to start the skimmer. Wait to add livestock and then add the skimmer along with adding it immediately.

I think I will just set it up now and get the skimmer started sounds like the best idea.

 

[Xandernfs]

BRS had a video on this a few months back...