Skimming on a new tank

[SteveG_inDC]

So I bought a skimmer sized for my eventual bioload -- fish heavy 240g, but I just put water in the tank 7 weeks ago and have had my first set of fish in it (6 cardinals) for about 3 weeks. My skimmer -- Reef Octopus 250 EXT makes crazy bubbles, but doesn't actually pull any skimmate. I'm not surprised as this thing probably needs more poo to be useful. I'm feeding about a cube a day plus a few live baby brine several times a day.

I have an old AquaC EV-180 lying around. Should I run that until my bioload gets higher? Or should I just wait? Or should I let my Reef Octopus skimmer run 24/7 aerating the water until I get enough organics for it to pull out?

 

[theMeat]

Leave it running real low, or take the cup off until ready. This way it’s broken in. Or better yet, put the cup drain hose down into Tupperware/sump. When water in cup starts tinting browner, you’re ready to skim