Protein skimmer/good bacteria?

[CloudStrife]

I have a 45 gal tank with no sump. I have a HOB protein skimmer but I just completed my cycle and don't have anything in the tank but 9 snails. If I run my skimmer, will it eat up all the good bacteria if nothing is creating that much waste? Im starting to get a lot of algae up so I wanna keep that down.

Also, can I limit the use of running my skimmer? Aka at night since its in my bedroom?

 

[Sniperhank]

If you dont have anything in your tank, you have no need to run your skimmer. Kinda the same for the snails, but depending on the type. If they eat algae they should be fine. If you are only doing FOWLR you might not even need a skimmer.

 

[CloudStrife]

I plan on having corals but just not right away