To Skim Or Not To Skim

[edonatto]

I AM STARTING WITH FISH ONLY IN MY 85G TANK.
HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT TO INTRODUCE THE FIRST FISH IN THE WATER, AND DO I NEED TO PUT THE PROTEIN SKIMMER RIGHT NOW OR SHOULD I WAIT.
I DONT HAVE A SUMP RIGHT NOW , BUT I HAVE AL THE TUBING IN THE TANK, HOW LONG CAN IT BE WITHOUT THE SUMP
THE LAST ONE THE LFS GUY TOLD ME THAT TO GET SOME BACTERIA IN THE TANK I COULD THROW IN A DEAD MUSSEL , IS THAT OK

THANKS A LOT

[EdgeKrusher]

How long has your system been up? Is the skimmer an insump model? You should probably wait about 6 weeks before adding any fish. This will give your LR the time it needs to produce bacteria, and allow for the nitrogen cycle to complete. I would almost sugges getting the sump up and running ASAP. This will add to your overall water volume. I put my skimmer on right away, but until you have fish there really isn't any benefit, IMO. you can use a mussel or a cocktail shrimp. either will ehlp the tank cycle faster. Just make sure to rinse it thuroughly.

Also please type with the caps lock off. I know you aren't trying to, but it appears that you are yelling.

HTH

EK

[jks1]

Like edge said, a cocktail shrimp will get you going. You will need to monitor the tank for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. I would test every day until you see the ammonia spike. Ammonia will drop off and Nitrite will spike. When that subsides your nitrate will likely rise. At that point you can back off on the testing a little. Keep in mind if you are going to be adding Live Rock- now is the time to do it as you will start the cycle over again if you add it later- degree determined by the condition of the rock. Good luck!