Quick Setup/skimmer question?

[FloridaNewbie]

I am in the process of setting up my tank so i can start my cycle. i got everything, but i am having a problem fitting the protein skimmer in the tank. A good part of it has to be ABOVE the water, meaning i won't be able to close the canopy. So i decided to return it, and maybe later looking for one that will fit. my set up is:

29gallon tank
Penguin 200 Bio Wheel
2 Marineland Powerheads
UV Sterilizer with a small powerhead
40lbs Live sand from lfs
20lbs Base rock
20lbs Florida/haitian LR from lfs

My question is, is the Skimmer really a MUST ?? or i can hold off for a while
Thanks guys
Leo

 

[melosu58]

IMO the skimmer is a pretty important piece of equipment but you can go without for a while during your cycle. In the first few weeks of the cycle there will be little to skim anyway. LR and skimmer are all the biological filtration I used for a long time but I added a refuge in the last couple yrs.

 

[alaher2]

I agree with mel completely, a skimmer isn't the most important equipment while cycling your tank, but down the road it will be an important piece to have. One thing about skimmers is that most have a break-in period, which it releases quite a few microbubbles back into your tank.