When should I start using my protein skimmer?

[huckjai]

Hey guys. Just recently got my tank all setup and ready to add water. I have a protein skimmer, but not sure if I need to run it right away or wait until I get more livestock? Will be starting out with live rock and a couple of clowns for a month or more, then add more fish slowly, then corals. Don't really want to put the skimmer in the sump yet and get it all dirty, if it won't help much until I have more live stock. Would my tank benefit from it at this point?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Flippers4pups]

You can wait till you add your fish after the cycle. If your skimmer is new, i would run it to break it in right away.

 

[djray77]

I just added water to my build this past weekend and I have had mine running. I figured it wouldn't hurt and it will get it broken in and ready for when I do add fish.

 

[ihavecrabs]

Don’t worry about getting it dirty.. remember the purpose of it is to collect fish poop (among other things)

I agree with the folks above

 

[BayouReefer]

I also agree it has a break in period so let it run. The cup will overflow at first it is normal. And Welcome to the R2R Family!

 

[X-37B]

Add the live rock turn on the skimmer and then let the tank cycle then add the fish.

 

[huckjai]

Thanks everyone. I will go ahead and get the skimmer running.

 

[King Turkey]

I run mine from the start 24/7 from then on out only turn off to clean it when it gets gross and proformance drops