does your skimmer run all the time

I will be cycling my tank soon and i have heard not to run the skimmer so it would help mature my tank is it true?
Once my tank is cycle is it on all the time?

Is a protein skimmer mainly when you have a reef or do I still use it if I only have fish and rock?

Also what does the skimmer do? I know it bubble but I don't really know the purpose?

Helppppp

 

The purpose of cycling is to grow denitrifying bacteria which require ammonia and nitrate from bio waste. The purpose of skimmer is to remove bio waste before it brakes down to ammonia and nitrate.

You should run skimmer for both reef and fish. It helps you remove dissolved organic waste from water and improve your water quality.

If you have new skimmer, it will take time to brake in. Bubbling creates foam and foam attracts organic waste (protein) which is removed in the collection cup.

Are you using live rocks? If so, I'd run skimmer 24/7 to prevent live rocks from dying.

 

what you heard about leaving skimmer off during cycle is correct. Plug it in around the 3rd week of the cycle so the skimmer is all broken in by the time the cycle is over.
in FOWLR or reef tanks, running the skimmer 24/7 is a good idea it just means that your water is being cleaned 24/7.

Skimmers remove dissolved organics (fish waste, decaying matter, ect..) from your tank. it is one of the most important aspects that will help maintain good water and healthy fish.. along with regular water changes with RODI.

 

I don't run a skimmer until the tank is about 6 months old. You are removing coralline spores that are needed for the tank to mature. Others will tell you different so take it all with a grain of salt.