Skimming while cycling a new tank

[jawwad2004]

Given that skimming is removing waste before it breaks down into nitrogenous compounds, does it make sense to skim when the tank is beginning to cycle? I just put in partially cured live rock and my amomonia levels are beginning to rise. Just don't want to extend the cycle.

 

[rbtwo4]

yes cus if its a new skimmer u can use this time to break it in. and u will be surprised what it skims when nothing is in the tank. ive been using my skimmer while cycling and it is in fact pulling gunk out i guess maybe from the live rock thats in the tank not sure

 

[jawwad2004]

Oh don't get me wrong, this thing is pulling gunk out lie crazy. I'm running a tunze 9011 on a 70g, I'm afraid I might be over skimming.

 

[rbtwo4]

no such thing as over skimming i believe lol.

 

[rbtwo4]

where in queens are you? id like to see this one day lol In The works:
356 Gallon Peninsula Tank (76*36*30)

 

[ecchybridLE]

Are u using new rock or dry rock. How much rock? What size tank? Are u using any bacteria ? I'd say u can start skimming after two weeks. It will help remove any dead matter coming from the rocks. Won't delay cycle.

 

[ecchybridLE]

That skimmer is not what u need for that tank, But from it over skimming sounds like there is a lot of dead matter in the rock. That skimmer is not enough for a reef tank IMO.

 

[jawwad2004]

Are u using new rock or dry rock. How much rock? What size tank? Are u using any bacteria ? I'd say u can start skimming after two weeks. It will help remove any dead matter coming from the rocks. Won't delay cycle.

New rock (live from someone else's aquarium, sitting in a bucket so there was some die off). Not using any bacteria, the tank is 70 gallons with a 30 gallon sump.

 

[jawwad2004]

That skimmer is not what u need for that tank, But from it over skimming sounds like there is a lot of dead matter in the rock. That skimmer is not enough for a reef tank IMO.

Interesting you would say that. Tunze rates the skimmer for tanks up to 290 gallons, and they have a reputation for conservative estimates. I was running a deltec apf 600 (rated for up to 210 gallons) on my last tank (90g), and was considering going the deltec route again on this aquarium.

 

[rbtwo4]

Dude that skimmer is fine. Even tho ur tank is only 100g in total water volume (probably less) that skimmer is fine dunno what he's talking about

 

[jawwad2004]

where in queens are you? id like to see this one day lol In The works:
356 Gallon Peninsula Tank (76*36*30)

hahah, this was a couple of years ago, unfortunately no longer exists when I left the hobby. : (
Should probably update my signature.

 

[rbtwo4]

hahah, this was a couple of years ago, unfortunately no longer exists when I left the hobby. : (
Should probably update my signature.

Uhhhhh yeah lol

 

[Reef Fixations]

IMO, it isn't necessary to run a skimmer on a new system for +/1 4 months when starting up a new system. I always maintained low parameters with weekly water changes of 10% +/1 without a skimmer and my livestock and corals always looked great. I've gone that route because of the exact reason that you asked your question. I've also had skimmerless systems that did just fine.