Today on BRStv, we have another episode of BRS 52 FAQ where we answer all of your frequently asked reefing questions from our popular 52 Weeks of Reefing series. This week we are answering HuggyBear’s question: "Should I run my skimmer during my tanks cycle?" To get straight to the point, I would definitely recommend running your skimmer during your tank cycle. As organic material in your tank breaks down into smaller particulate matter, running your protein skimmer will allow for air and water to be mixed into a dense foam where these particles can make their way up through the skimmer body, over the skimmer neck, and finally end up exported in the skimmer’s collection cup.Without running your skimmer this particulate matter would further break down into nitrate and phosphate which will fuel algae growth and only cause you headaches in the long run. This is equally as important, if not more important when curing dry rock in a separate system or in the new tank itself. The amount of dried organic material on certain types of dry rock like Pukani for example, results in some pretty nasty water during the cure – much more than your typical cycle with rock that has been pre-cured. This large amount of biomass will quickly break down into smaller particulate like I mentioned before where it will be highly beneficial to remove it before it has the chance to break down further. One thing to note however, is that the water will likely be so foul that your skimmer will tend to produce so much foam for the first few days that it may overflow the cup. You will want to make sure that you are actively monitoring the collection cup level to prevent any nasty spills or overflows. Trust me, once you see what your skimmer removes from the water during a rock cure you’ll be happy ran it! So follow along as we answer today's question, provide some helpful insight, and help make reefing just bit more fun and easy for you and your tank. *Legal Stuff* The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.