Weird skimmer question?

[sj022698]

I am picking up a tank that is having to be broken down that is fully operational. I am putting the water in my tank especially since I don't have to cycle. (my tank is new)
My question is, my skimmer is brand new and says it needs to be broken in? What is the best way to approach this with a running tank and a new skimmer?

Thanks!

[Steven Pro]

Just turn it on. Breaking in a skimmer refers to the time it takes for a skimmer to start to work. When first installed, many skimmers take a while for you to learn and finesse the adjustments enough for them to start skimming properly. Also, it takes a little bit of time to build up the organics in the skimmer to create the foam.

[ANGRY JOHN]

breaking the skimmer in has somthing to do with the rincing of production olis etc, and having a fine layer of organics on the inside. it should only take a day or so but i have herd up to a week. the question i have is why are you puting water from an established tank in yours. this is not recomended the same way as addig lfs water to your tank via shiping bags. the cycle has to do with the material in your tank and the surfaces for growing bacteria in the tank so using old water to break in the tank does nothing except add nitrates etc. now grabing some live rock or sand will speed it up...........:eek3:

[sj022698]

My tank is completely empty. I will be taking the rock, sand, and water from this new tank that I'm buying.

Basically, I was just about to set up my tank but I saw a tank being sold and I'm basically keeping their tank but just using a different aquarium. That is ok, right?

[ANGRY JOHN]

that sounds very reasonable. i infered that you were just taking the water. using all the rock sand and water will make things move very fast. dont see it being much diffrent than a tank cleaning and water change.

[spankerbob]

Angry John is right, you it would be benificial for you to take all the sand and live rock but replace the salt water, it will help in removing any nitrates and other nasties that will be in the water because you disturbed the substrate.