When to turn on the skimmer.

carsonroberge · Jan 30, 2013

My tank has been cycling a month. The parameters are Amonia- .25 nitrite 0 nitrate 5.0
I'm just wondering when it would be good to turn on the protein skimmer. Right now it's just sitting in the sump off.

bmarkus · Jan 31, 2013

Turn it on

Chrisrych · Jan 31, 2013

I got one for cheap and the foam won't even become close to reaching the collection cup and you might get a lot of micro bubbles in the tank

SNAKEMANVET · Jan 31, 2013

I would turn it on.I always run a skimmer during the cycle of a new tank.

bmarkus · Feb 1, 2013

There must be some kind of adjustment on it for the water level.

fragmatic · Feb 1, 2013

+1 turn it on
and let it start getting slimey so it will be ready when you add a fish and food. Don't expect it to do much at this point. But, yes, get it "warmed up".

When the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate hit 000 add a hardy fish.

What sized tank? How much live rock? Do you have a sump? If you would post all your test results you will get more help on nailing the cycle down. It sounds like you are counting down.

fragmatic · Feb 1, 2013

Chrisrych said:
I got one for cheap and the foam won't even become close to reaching the collection cup and you might get a lot of micro bubbles in the tank

Post a picture of your set-up and plumbing of the skimmer. It may be an easy fix.