Water cycle

[johnyboy]

I don't have enough money to but my protein skimmer and my lights but I want to get my water running. Can I keep my water running as long as I want after it cycles until I can put lights skimmer and fish in ?

 

[reefwiser]

Sure you don't need the skimmer to cycle a tank. You do need bacteria.
I use this http://www.amazon.com/Fritz-Aquatics-Fritzzyme-9-Saltwater-Nitrifying/dp/B004U3AOKE/ref=sr_1_16?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1421885256&sr=1-16
to start your cycle as well as ammonia.

 

[DFW]

When I started my tank I just added saltwater made with tap water using no dechlorinator. Since Fort Worth water has ammonia added to lessen the smell of the chlorine, I did not need to add anything. It cycled off of the ammonia that was already there.

 

[VicD81]

I cycle with my Lights off and skimmer in full overflow position with the collection cup off, So its the same as not having anything.