UV filter during new tank cycle?

[kierkier]

Hello all,
Third thread in a week, I guess I am becoming a regular here. I want to say thank you right away to everyone who has responded to my previous questions, you have all been very welcoming and helpful.

OK, on to my new question: I just started cycling my new 60gal Tank+sump last Friday. I am cycling with four Green Chromis and some live sand added to my new substrate. I just purchased a UV filter and two extra power heads to add some sterilization and circulation. I haven't been able to find a clear idea of whether or not to use the UV sterilizer during the cycling phase. I assume there could be good reasons not to as well as good reasons to start it up and get it running, but a search of the previous threads hasn't really told me anything.

I also have a protein skimmer in my sump which I am not running during this cycling phase, is that necessary, or should I just leave it off?

Thanks for your advice.

kierkier

[Steven Pro]

I would definitely turn on the skimmer. It will help remove some of the nasties that could harm the chromis.

The UV probably does not matter much either way, but if it is plumbed in, I would turn it on. You don't want a build up to form on the inside. Turning the lamp on will avoid this to a degree.

[kierkier]

Thanks, I will get the skimmer turned back on. The UV sterilizer won't be here until next week, so I will probably wait until the tank is cycled to plumb it into the system.

On an interesting note, I have a pretty healty (read: widespread) diatom growth going on in my tank right now. I am only running the lamps 9 hours a day and my water temp is 78f. I woke up this AM (day 8 of my cycling) to a lot of stringy-fiberous growths on the diatoms. I thought they were really long fish turds at first, and then I realized they were over most of the diatoms on my substrate. On a positive note, I am starting to see some green algae growth in spots on the diatoms. Yea!

Thanks again for the help.

Kierkier

[BubbaWPB]

Diatom and algae blooms are to be expected when starting a tank... good luck.