Getting ready to cycle, need some suggestions

[rsach]

I have added the dry rocks and sand to the 55G cube. I am currently working on adding RO (not DI), water. I have ordered the DI add-on it won't arrive until June 01st. I was planning to fill the tank up, add the salt and start cycling. I have added picture of the sump. Should I leave the protein skimmer in and run it during the cycle? Also, there is some black sand in the sump, should I take it all out? Once cycled what media is recommended for this sump, I currently have a filter sock and was planning on adding Cheato once cycling is done. The previous guy had a blue sponge where the baffles are.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I have added the dry rocks and sand to the 55G cube. I am currently working on adding RO (not DI), water. I have ordered the DI add-on it won't arrive until June 01st. I was planning to fill the tank up, add the salt and start cycling. I have added picture of the sump. Should I leave the protein skimmer in and run it during the cycle? Let it run or turn it off, it really makes little difference at this point. I assume it's used, so clean it well (vinegar soak) and rinse. Also, there is some black sand in the sump, should I take it all out? Personally, I wouldn't have sand in my sump. Live rocks are OK. Once cycled what media is recommended for this sump, I currently have a filter sock and was planning on adding Cheato once cycling is done. The previous guy had a blue sponge where the baffles are.

The filter sock is a good replacement for the previous owners sponge. Just be prepared to change them and wash them. Mine run about 5 to 7 days and I let them run until water starts to back up inside the sock so it's higher than the water in the sump. I've had it overflow the sock and even that doesn't seem to be an issue. I wash mine in the washing machine. Wash with bleach and OxyClean, wash again with just water and rinse with just water. This has worked for me for the last 10 years!

Good luck and have fun!

 

[TheDuude]

IMO the sand should be removed from the sump / fug. The sand will just collect detritus.

Also I would be worried about the skimmer pulling sand into the pump and causing premature wear.

 

[rsach]

Thanks! I'll remove the sand and the skimmer and clean it off as suggested.