Protein Skimmer?

[-=Jeff=-]

Quick run down of my set-up

50g Display tank
20 Gal Sump
30lbs of Dry live rock from BRS
20lbs of live sand, CaribSea stuff

I have a heater in the sump

the tanks has been running for about 1 month with SW. I am due for another Water change and I was suggested to put some pieces of fish food in the tank to start the cycle.

Now, when should I start running my protein skimmer, that is the last piece of equipment to start up and I have not been running it since I have nothing to make waste (No fish in tank yet)

Can I run it anytime now to get it adjusted etc?

THANKS

 

[Sniperhank]

If you haven't started cycling your tank, don't do water changes. There won't be anything in there using up the elements or building up from the nitrate cycle.
Get yourself a cocktail shrimp and throw it in some panty hose. This will provide you easy clean up and will provide an ammonia source without excess phosphates going into the water column.

 

[-=Jeff=-]

so using food will not accomplish the same thing?

what about running the skimmer?

 

[PB_Smith]

don't bother with the skimmer until after the tank is cycled and you start populating it.
There really is no need for it at this point and it could be counter-productive in terms of cycling the tank.