When do I start Protein Skimmer

I am just getting into the hobby. My 72 gal tank is now 8 weeks old. I have some soft coral and about 10 fish. The man at the store I bought the system told me to wait about three months before starting protein skimmer. He said bacteria needs to form in the sand. Is this good advice?

 

Welcome rkdoc!

Protein skimmers remove dissolved organic compounds (DOCs). This has nothing to do with the denitrification process or the bacteria that the LFS referred to. I would start skimming ASAP! The level of bacteria are a function of bioload and with ten fish you have a good sized bioload, especially for an 8 week old 72 gallon. Slow down and skim to protect your investment in livestock.

 

Wow that is alot of bling bling in your pimped 72!!!

hope it's a good size skimmer too...rated 150 gal or so...with 20" spinners!!!!


j/k !!!

Scoffer

 

Yup! What Craig said! Get to Skimming!

Are you sure the LFS guy didn't say to start skimming and wait 3 months for the bacteria to grow before adding fish? That is better advice! :-X

My tank is 6 months old with only 2 fish!

 

I'd think about finding another LFS. You have too many fish for that size tank, especially if you want to keep corals. I only have 6 fish in my 120g FOWLR and 3 fish in my 75g reef! Start skimming ASAP!

 

I got a newbie question... I just started my 20 gallon reef tank about 5 days ago. I have a HOB skimmer... When should I start it?

 

When the tank cycles. I would hold off until then.

Wow. Well. I would have only had one small damsel in there as of right now and held off on skimming until the tank is cycled. You have your tank stocked to the hilt right off the bat. So, by all means, start skimming right away to keep the waste down.

You will want to consider taking some of those fish and coral back to the LFS too. If your tank is cycled, fine.....let it ride, if it is not, you need to make a decision. Good luck.