When should I start using my skimmer?

dlp211 · 09/12/2011, 09:10 PM

Hey everyone,

So I just got through the initial cycle of my tank and just got my QT setup today, so now I am just awaiting some fish.

I know skimmers have a break in period and was wondering if I should start running my skimmer now or wait until I have fish in the DT?

Also, I just got my PH Probe for my APEX calibrated and my PH is 7.7. This is really low isn't it? How can I raise my PH? Do I need to raise it at this point?

Temp = 78
Ammonia = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 20-40ppm (getting ready to do a water change)

I need to test Alk, Mag, Cal on Thursday when I get that kit in.

Thanks
Dave

sporto0 · 09/12/2011, 09:43 PM

I would fire it up now & let it break in, it may not pull out a lot of skimmate yet, but it will still help.

peppie · 09/12/2011, 09:48 PM

Turn that bad boy on!!!!

randomfish · 09/12/2011, 09:50 PM

yep i start my skimmer as soon as i have water in the tank

dlp211 · 09/12/2011, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomfish

yep i start my skimmer as soon as i have water in the tank

I had the skimmer running initially but it was inhibiting my cycle.

Anyone on the Ph problem?

thanks everyone who answered.

sporto0 · 09/12/2011, 10:10 PM

Sorry, missed the ph question the first time, 7.7 is not terribly low, ph will fluctuate daily, I suggest adding a little bit of buffer to your top off water daily or every other day, whatever your schedule is. Alk is more important than PH, usually when alkalinity levels are stable, so too is PH.

briankmarsh1980 · 09/13/2011, 12:21 AM

you can run the skimmer with out air.... but yes fire it up

09/12/2011, 09:10 PM	#1
dlp211 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 591	When should I start using my skimmer? Hey everyone, So I just got through the initial cycle of my tank and just got my QT setup today, so now I am just awaiting some fish. I know skimmers have a break in period and was wondering if I should start running my skimmer now or wait until I have fish in the DT? Also, I just got my PH Probe for my APEX calibrated and my PH is 7.7. This is really low isn't it? How can I raise my PH? Do I need to raise it at this point? Temp = 78 Ammonia = 0 Nitrite = 0 Nitrate = 20-40ppm (getting ready to do a water change) I need to test Alk, Mag, Cal on Thursday when I get that kit in. Thanks Dave __________________ Standard 180 w/C2C overflow 40B Sump, 40B refugium w/DSB SRO 3000 internal, BRS Carbon Rx 100# BRS Pukani, 40# Marco

09/13/2011, 12:21 AM	#7
briankmarsh1980 I'm a member of **!!!!!! Join Date: May 2010 Location: Maricopa, Arizona Posts: 2,127	you can run the skimmer with out air.... but yes fire it up __________________ My skim don't stink _______________________________________________________________ 210 gallons with stuff!!!!!!!

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09/12/2011, 09:43 PM	#2
sporto0 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 2,924	I would fire it up now & let it break in, it may not pull out a lot of skimmate yet, but it will still help.

09/12/2011, 09:48 PM	#3
peppie Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1,883	Turn that bad boy on!!!!

09/12/2011, 09:50 PM	#4
randomfish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 6	yep i start my skimmer as soon as i have water in the tank

09/12/2011, 10:10 PM	#6
sporto0 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 2,924	Sorry, missed the ph question the first time, 7.7 is not terribly low, ph will fluctuate daily, I suggest adding a little bit of buffer to your top off water daily or every other day, whatever your schedule is. Alk is more important than PH, usually when alkalinity levels are stable, so too is PH.