Can I Pre-Cycle a skimmer?

stagefright13 · 08/15/2008, 10:51 PM

I have an ETSS skimmer in my sump right now. I am building a new sump and it is WAY too big to fit my plans. So I ordered an Octopus NW-150. That should fit perfect.

Could I run the new skimmer in a bucket of saltwater for a few days while I finish building my new sump? Would that kinda break it in? Or maybe throw in a few silversides lol to cause a cycle?

I kinda just wanna make the swap without any skimmer down time. Goofy question maybe. But haven't seen it asked before. Thanks for the help. Just don't wanna use my main to break it in. It's only a 29 with a 10 gallon sump.

Salamander · 08/15/2008, 11:09 PM

Maybe start by running it with some white vinegar mixed in water to help remove any oils. Then run it with some tank water from a water change. Should help break it in.

stagefright13 · 08/15/2008, 11:21 PM

Yeah tank water is a great idea. Didn't think of that. Thanks Salamander.

Peter Eichler · 08/15/2008, 11:41 PM

Run it for a day or two with a cup or two of vinegar in some fresh water in a bucket. Rinse it and add it to your tank and it should start skimming almost immediately.

stagefright13 · 08/16/2008, 01:06 AM

Cool. I always have a gallon of vinegar on hand to clean pumps etc.

I learned how to drill glass on here and made my first hole in the sump for a Kent Float valve. Worked great. My first hole ever in glass.

Now gotta try cutting glass for the baffles. Wish me luck.

Meanwhile I will use everyones advice for skimmer. Thanks!

Don't wanna stop skimming for a sec. I bought my first coral last week. Just a little finger leather. But wanna keep the water perfect. So the change is unnoticed hopefully. Just like a regular water change. Maybe I worry too much.

08/15/2008, 10:51 PM	#1
stagefright13 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Hatboro, PA USA Posts: 899	Can I Pre-Cycle a skimmer? I have an ETSS skimmer in my sump right now. I am building a new sump and it is WAY too big to fit my plans. So I ordered an Octopus NW-150. That should fit perfect. Could I run the new skimmer in a bucket of saltwater for a few days while I finish building my new sump? Would that kinda break it in? Or maybe throw in a few silversides lol to cause a cycle? I kinda just wanna make the swap without any skimmer down time. Goofy question maybe. But haven't seen it asked before. Thanks for the help. Just don't wanna use my main to break it in. It's only a 29 with a 10 gallon sump.

08/15/2008, 11:09 PM	#2
Salamander Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 2,103	Maybe start by running it with some white vinegar mixed in water to help remove any oils. Then run it with some tank water from a water change. Should help break it in. __________________ I feel more like myself now than I did before. Current Tank Info: 120g mixed reef, 2 x 250W DE MH, 2 x 54w T5, MSX 200 SKimmer, 2 Koralia 4's, 40g fuge/sump, QT

08/15/2008, 11:41 PM	#4
Peter Eichler Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 6,081	Run it for a day or two with a cup or two of vinegar in some fresh water in a bucket. Rinse it and add it to your tank and it should start skimming almost immediately. __________________ April 2015 TOTM Last edited by Peter Eichler; 08/16/2008 at 12:23 AM.

08/16/2008, 01:06 AM	#5
stagefright13 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Hatboro, PA USA Posts: 899	Cool. I always have a gallon of vinegar on hand to clean pumps etc. I learned how to drill glass on here and made my first hole in the sump for a Kent Float valve. Worked great. My first hole ever in glass. Now gotta try cutting glass for the baffles. Wish me luck. Meanwhile I will use everyones advice for skimmer. Thanks! Don't wanna stop skimming for a sec. I bought my first coral last week. Just a little finger leather. But wanna keep the water perfect. So the change is unnoticed hopefully. Just like a regular water change. Maybe I worry too much. Last edited by stagefright13; 08/16/2008 at 01:11 AM.

08/15/2008, 11:21 PM	#3
stagefright13 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Hatboro, PA USA Posts: 899	Yeah tank water is a great idea. Didn't think of that. Thanks Salamander.