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DuanneS

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Hi all,

Ive just started out on this hobby and will probably need loads of help!

Here is the first of probably loads of questions:

When should I start runnng a protein skimmer?

I have a 525l tank with a 160l sump. I added LR on Friday 30/10. I started cycling a week prior to that.

I had been advised that I should not use the skimmer until I start adding livestock, however, I have noticed that hair algae has started growing and other threads inthis forum have implied that the skimmer should be used.

Thanks!
 
Thanks for the welcome!

My next question is about the water tester kit I bought on the weekend...I bought a Sera kit (cost about R1000).

How accurate is the Sera kit? (I thad better be accurate cinsidering the cost!! ;)
 
Havent had much experience with Sera but i'm sure it should be okay. Some people have difficulty with some testkits so they decide to disslike them.

Your tank will show Ammonia at First then Nitrite then Nitrate. Once your tests show the following.

Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - > 50

Then you ready to add stuff.

Please dont rush and ask as many questions as you need to!
 
Welcome to MASA!!
 
Welcome Duanne, I have heard Sera are ok - what exactly came in the kit? Does it include Ammonia (NH3), Nitrate (NO3), Nitrite (NO2) and Phosphate (PO4) - these are your basic must haves, after that, particularly if you want to keep corals, you will need Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and a test for your waters hardness, or alkalinity (dKH).

Check out a spreadsheet that I posted to keep tabs on these things, as well as some explanations here: Aquarium water parameters spreadsheet - Water Parameters
 
Welcome Duane. You can start your skimmer now. It wont pull out much gunk but it's a good time to break it in. Sera tests get a bad rap from guys but they're fine. It sounds like you bought a whole range test kit. Just check the expiry date on those as they are generally slow movers in pet shops
 
@mnd123...thanks for the spreadsheet! The Sera tests the following:
pH, kH, NO2, NO3, NH4, NH3, PO4, Cu & Ca so it looks like everything is covered.

Based on Clintons advice I dashed home to install the skimmer. However, the skimmer has no instructions! Its a ViaAqua SK 200.

What should the sump water level be when installing the skimmer? When I initially put it in the sump water level went up to approx the middle of the cup on the top of the skimmer. Im guessing that this is too high?

If so, can I put something underneath the skimmer to raise it? Or should I rather drain the sump a bit?



Thanks!
 
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