help with skimmer

I bought a CPR Bak Pak Cyclone, the one that is a skimmer and bio filter, and it didnt come with an air hose to connect to the pump so I never had air bubbles running in my skimmer. I put a tube in last night and the bubbles are running and I collected a lot of scum. My tank has been cycled for over a month now but the skimmer was never running. Can I still add coral now that the skimmer is running. Also, I read that I should just take out the bio bale stuff that is in the filter because I have 45 lbs of live rock and 40 lbs of live sand and the bio bale isnt needed and it is a nitrate trap. Should I take out the biobale stuff?

 

Hi,
I would remove the bioballs, etc. as I don't think you need it!!!I don't have any of that stuff ib my tank and I have had it running for 5years now!!! You have enough biological filtration and mechanical filtration with your protein skimmer IMO!
Did you have any mechanical filtration or chemical filtration while your tank was cycling since you didn't have your skimmer running?
Have you checked your water parameters lately? Have you performed a water change recently?
If your water parameters are fine and you have recent;y done a water change, I would say you are ready to add beginner corals.
Remember that your tank is a new tank and the maturing of the tank will take some time therefore, many types of fish, inverts and corals should be avoided til your tank has a chance to mature for the best success and health of your tank and livestock!!!!
Good luck with your tank and your coral additions!
Soft corals are a good beginner coral to start with(ie. mushrooms, zoos, leathers and star polyps)!

 

You said that many types of fish, inverts, and coral should be avoided. Which ones? Also, Is a Rio 200 enough current for corals? That is what I have now.