Do I need a skimmer?

I was told that the process of cycling takes around 2 weeks..is this usually correct?

 

Usually? no. I have heard people make these types of claims and if anything this would be the exception and not the norm. I n my opinion I would seriously doubt a 2 week cycle is possible -- anyway, if it were to be true I would still urge another few weeks to let the little critters that make the tank complete to gro grow and mature.

Once cycled a tank is young/weak and vulnerable and needs time to grow and further mature ..... like a good wine

 

The things that you can test for may say a tank is cycled but a lot more goes into a cycle than ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Processes that we can not test for.


The biological filter need more than 2 weeks to develop to adequately process any bi products of metabolism from fish, inverts and the feedings.


Rushing the cycle usually leads to problems with water quality and disease eventually. Just not worth it IMO.

Give it 4-6 weeks and you will have a better outcome.

 

Perfectly stated - I applaud you.

 

lol where were yall when i started my 20 SW 2 years ago lol by tyhe way you can get a cheep skimmer of aquatraders that would help with the tank.

Protein Skimmers

Its not the best skimmer but it is better than no skimmer IMO