Fact Check

Beldarr · 12/23/2015, 10:45 AM

I read somewhere that when starting to cycle a tank, if you can get the gunk collected from another Skimmer that would help. Any ideas if this is true?

Seems bad to me but i am not sure

chimmike · 12/23/2015, 10:48 AM

the skimmer doesn't collect bacteria, just amino acids, iirc.....proteins.

jrr98002 · 12/23/2015, 10:49 AM

Well, 'gunk' from a skimmer will eventually decay into your ammonia source, but it's certainly not the way I'd go about it. There's other, better and more pure ways to start your cycle. I wouldn't say the 'gunk' would help if you started it those other ways (pure ammonia, a raw shrimp, etc.)

Sk8r · 12/23/2015, 10:51 AM

FIshfood. pinch a day. You'll cycle just as fast. Mighosh, the extremes people go to trying to get a cycle started. It takes as long as it takes. Bacterial reproduction takes place at a given rate under optimum conditions: food/80 degree temperature, proper salinity at 1.024.

CStrickland · 12/23/2015, 10:57 AM

I've heard that too. The idea being that it would be more types of bacteria than what you would get from a bottle at the lfs. I'm skeptical.

The "protein" in protein skimmer is not a great name, they collect all kinds of dissolved organics and stuff. But I'm not really sure about the bacteria. When people talk about carbon dosing they speak of boosting the bacteria population, and then skimming it out. But when people talk about cycling, and UV, they say the bacteria is on the surfaces, not in the water. IDK, maybe skimming takes out the bacterias poop.

Anyway, idk how you would know. Like would fresh skimmate be needed, or is it still good if it sits in a nasty cup for a week? I think you're better off grabbing a scoop of sand. That'll have all the bacteria and some baby worms and stuff. Smells better too

12/23/2015, 10:45 AM	#1
Beldarr Registered Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Pickerington, OH Posts: 50	Fact Check I read somewhere that when starting to cycle a tank, if you can get the gunk collected from another Skimmer that would help. Any ideas if this is true? Seems bad to me but i am not sure

12/23/2015, 10:48 AM	#2
chimmike oxygen abuser Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Parrish, FL Posts: 5,089 Blog Entries: 2	the skimmer doesn't collect bacteria, just amino acids, iirc.....proteins. __________________ -Mike Tankless wonder Geaux Noles!

12/23/2015, 10:51 AM	#4
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	FIshfood. pinch a day. You'll cycle just as fast. Mighosh, the extremes people go to trying to get a cycle started. It takes as long as it takes. Bacterial reproduction takes place at a given rate under optimum conditions: food/80 degree temperature, proper salinity at 1.024. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

12/23/2015, 10:57 AM	#5
CStrickland Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New England, U.S. Posts: 4,595	I've heard that too. The idea being that it would be more types of bacteria than what you would get from a bottle at the lfs. I'm skeptical. The "protein" in protein skimmer is not a great name, they collect all kinds of dissolved organics and stuff. But I'm not really sure about the bacteria. When people talk about carbon dosing they speak of boosting the bacteria population, and then skimming it out. But when people talk about cycling, and UV, they say the bacteria is on the surfaces, not in the water. IDK, maybe skimming takes out the bacterias poop. Anyway, idk how you would know. Like would fresh skimmate be needed, or is it still good if it sits in a nasty cup for a week? I think you're better off grabbing a scoop of sand. That'll have all the bacteria and some baby worms and stuff. Smells better too __________________ If you're havin tank problems I feel bad for you, son. I got 99 problems but a fish ain't one Current Tank Info: 3/2016 upgrade to 120g. Chalk bass, melanurus, firefish, starry blenny, canary blenny, lyretail anthias, engineer gobys, kole tang. Softies / LPS / NPS. <3 noob4life <3

12/23/2015, 10:49 AM	#3
jrr98002 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Little Rock Posts: 235	Well, 'gunk' from a skimmer will eventually decay into your ammonia source, but it's certainly not the way I'd go about it. There's other, better and more pure ways to start your cycle. I wouldn't say the 'gunk' would help if you started it those other ways (pure ammonia, a raw shrimp, etc.)