Novice Reefer Couple ?s

[ShooterRick]

My tank is set up and filled with RO, substrate and base rock. Before I start the cycle with live rock I have a few questions please.

1. Skimmer- It is making some light colored foam and is set to begin producing foam at the place that the funnel begins to narrow down to the riser tube leading to the cup. Is this the correct level?

2. How long should a fuge light run if using the curly type daylight bulbs and how often should they be replaced. Should the fuge be stocked with algae before or after the cyle is complete?

3. Should the skimmer be ran while cycleing?

[chrisfont23]

1. Skimmer- It is making some light colored foam and is set to begin producing foam at the place that the funnel begins to narrow down to the riser tube leading to the cup. Is this the correct level?

There is no 'right way' to do it - just make sure the bubbles meet the bottom of the cup. You really don't want the bubbles rising into the spout. Essentially, there are two ways to skim. Dry and wet. The less air intake and higher up you sit the cup away from the bubbles, the drier it will be. I have found this to produces darker, mud like skim with my Aquamaxx. The converse will lead to a more wet skim, like a green / tan tea.

2. How long should a fuge light run if using the curly type daylight bulbs and how often should they be replaced. Should the fuge be stocked with algae before or after the cyle is complete?

Opposite lighting cycle of your DT. I would replace them with they need replacing. No hurt in stocking the fuge with algae.

3. Should the skimmer be ran while cycleing?

There are definitely two different answers. Obviously, one is 'yes' and the other is 'no.' I didn't do it with either tank to not interrupt anything biological from happening. Most people do run it to keep nutrients in check. Guess it's your call.

[Reefing Madness]

There is no 'right way' to do it - just make sure the bubbles meet the bottom of the cup. You really don't want the bubbles rising into the spout. Essentially, there are two ways to skim. Dry and wet. The less air intake and higher up you sit the cup away from the bubbles, the drier it will be. I have found this to produces darker, mud like skim with my Aquamaxx. The converse will lead to a more wet skim, like a green / tan tea.


Opposite lighting cycle of your DT. I would replace them with they need replacing. No hurt in stocking the fuge with algae.


There are definitely two different answers. Obviously, one is 'yes' and the other is 'no.' I didn't do it with either tank to not interrupt anything biological from happening. Most people do run it to keep nutrients in check. Guess it's your call.

Pretty much got it covered.