When should a skimmer... skim

[gregrex]

Hi there. First off, let me say this is a wonderful resource, and many thanks for all the help I've received just by lurking so far.

Here's my question. In a newly cycling tank (55g with 55lbs of cured live rock, currently on day 3), should my skimmer actually be able to skim anything yet?

Regards

 

[Max]

Probably not. There has to be organic material in the water for it to remove it. What are you useing to cycle? It probably will take a while ,"week or two " before you see anything in the cup and then it won't be a lot at first.

 

[gregrex]

Thanks for the response. I was just using the live rock to cycle by itself. I understand that there's enough die off to provide an ammonia source... umm right?

 

[Max]

Maybe, depends on what was on or in the rock when it was shipped. I'd test the water and try to keep it at or below about .5 ppm to limit additional die off. Just do normal water changes if you see it get over this point. I'd get a decent test kit ,"do use the one's with the chemical strips they are very sensative to enviromental conditions and not very accurate.
I test my water at least once every other day on an established tank and once ,"or more than once a day if there is a problem or a lot of rotting going on," just to see if there are any issues that need correcting.