Help on Cyling Tank

Ok so on Sunday, I am having my tank delivered 72G Bowfront with a wet / dry filtration system and a protien skimmer .

I have ordered 80lbs of Florida base rock from reefcleaners and 80 lbs of sand.

Thought I would go the all dead approach as opposed to live rock / sand.

Question is, Once I create my aquascape and fill the tank with water, should I turn on my Powerheads, wet / dry, and protein skimmer while the tank is cycling?

I plan on getting bottled amonia to kick start the system.

Thanks!

 

You wont need the skimmer, but the rest are ok to run. You can also add some bacteria to speed it up. I used DR Tims One and Only and it worked great.

 

Yes, but why wet/dry a fuge would be much better.

 

Came with the setup... Figured it couldnt be that bad if I am going FOWLR.

Am I making a mistake?

 

Wet/dry is the wrong way to go, IMO.

I would leave everything off except the sump.

Add in a cup of life sand from a established tank to definitely kick start that sand, a small live rock and bacteria additive also go a long way.

 

What size bottle of Dr Tims would I need for a 72G tank?

 

Since I am a noob, can you tell me why you don't reccomend a wet / dry. As mentioned, I am getting it with the tank.

What is bad about the wet / dry?

 

They tend to collect detritus, which will give you nitrate problems. You have to clean them almost weekly to avoid this. It just easier to go the sump route for most.

 

Not sure if this is a stupid question but what if I take out the bio balls that are in the wet dry? So basically that would essentially make it a sump right?

Am I missing something or will this be good to do?