A few questions before cycling: skimmer, LED's, & current

Wieloch89 · Apr 11, 2017

So I'm going to start cycling my new reef tank in the next few days and I've been getting mixed reviews on whether or not to fire the skimmer up during this process or not? Skim from the very beginning, start skimming a few weeks in, or don't turn it on until you add your CUC?

Next two questions are on equipment set up. I just need a place to start from and I can tweak from there. I have 3 radion 30's and 2 mp40's(if I told you what I paid you wouldn't believe me) for my 165 gallon, does anyone have experience with any of that? What's a good height above the water to set the lights? I have a 30 inch depth in my tank, how high should I run those to reach the bottom of the tank and not be too bright up top? Lastly with the mp40's, my tank is 6 feet long, should I set them directly aposing each other off set them for the best circulation?

Travis91 · Apr 11, 2017

I am new as well but with the powerheads I would offset slightly on opposite side of the tank. To get the water column the best flow. As far as lights go I honestly am not sure but from my lights I have whites turned down low and blues double. So 5 white 15 blue until you get a feel for you're coral and they acclimate to your lights. Once they acclimate you can move them around to find the best place that makes them happy! Just be mindful not to blast with the lights as this can lead to bleaching.