Question about skimmers

So I will be starting my 75 gal tank pretty soon. Do I need a skimmer right off the bat or should I wait till the tank is cycled? Or in other words how long till I need a protein skimmer? I will be using RO/DI water, and I won't have any coral's for a while, maybe a fish or two but nothing to exciting, but I will have live rock in the sump and in the tank.

I also understand you get what you pay for but lets be honest I am not looking to spend more than 200 on a skimmer when the time comes. So what do you suggest?

Thanks for all the help,
Clancy

 

You actually should NOT run a skimmer during cycling, so you'll be fine without at least until that is out of the way

 

Ok great, thanks.

 

why not run the skimmer during cycling??? If the skimmer is not run during cycling (cycling never ends btw) the junk buildsx up fast in there. I say get an octopus in sump skimmer.

 

Okay so two different answers. I've heard by many people not to run skimmers while cycling. Any other input?

 

If you have a lot of nasty die off from live rock, run the skimmer a bit to clean the water somewhat. Otherwise you should not need it for a couple months. It will just slow down the cycling and reduce coraline growth. I had my skimmer in the sump for about 4 months before I turned it on

 

You don't need the skimmer during cycle.

 

I wouldn't use the skimmer during cycling. Take these few months to look for a good used skimmer. That's what I did. I got a great skimmer at one-fourth the price of a new one. IMO, $200 on a 75g isn't going to do you much good. Here is the short list of skimmers I like a tank your size.

PM Bullet-1
ETSS 600XR
AquaC EV-180
ASM G2

Remember, you get what you pay for with skimmers. It will be worth your while to look for a good one.

 

I have a used ASM G3 skimmer for sale if you are interested pm me. Also I would hold off on using the skimmer for a couple months.

 

Buy a used older one. I got my Euroreef for $100.00 Great skimmer.