[Fishfirst]

Originally Posted by plasma19

Hi, I recently started up a new SW tank and it has been running for 5 days with 2 power heads, its a marineland eclipse 12gal with integrated bio-wheel and replacable filter media, it also has a strong compact flourescent with standards for sw fish and corals. I just tested my water at my LFS and all parameters were safe for fish. I already have live sand in my tank and a few hermit crabs. I just added 6 pounds of live rock to my tank which are already almost cured when i bought them. right now they are just cycling my tank and i will be doing weekly water changes. how long will it be for my tank to be cycled to the point where it is fish friendly? also if i do weekly water changes and have my filter media and bio wheel remove nitrate and unwanted toxins it should be fine without a protein skimmer? (since im only running a 12gal)



your comments and replies along with suggestions for noob like me would help
plasma19

Filter media and bio wheels do not remove nitrate... and they only detoxify the "unwanted toxins" after it has been established with a full load of bacteria. I would personally keep the biowheel for a while, but ditch it once the liverock has been established... change the filter pad frequently or rinse it often. Also you can get by without a protien skimmer fine by doing water changes frequently (15-20% weekly) but a protien skimmer is still a great investment.