Protein skimmer and noises...

[joejoe]

I received my LR today and have just finished setting it up in my 38 gallon tank. I am getting ready for the cycle, and was wondering if I should turn my hang on back protein skimmer on or keep it off during the cycle? If you all suggest me to turn it on, I'll set it up when I wake up.
My other question is in regards to clicks from my tank. During the day I didn't hear it much, but now that I turned out the lights, I hear a clicking noise here and there. It is usually one or two clicks in a row. Any ideas what it might be??
Any comments will be appreciated!!

 

[ajroc31]

Probably a pistol shrimp. I am not sure, but I think that mentis shrimp crack more often and more times. I am not sure. My pistols make the sound once, or twice, unless they are fighting.

 

[joejoe]

Bump for anyones suggestions on what to do with the protein skimmer please!!

 

[birdy]

some people run a protein skimmer during the cycle and some do not, I tend to say no, it is not really necessary.
If I were you I would try to find out what the noise is, could be a pistol but it could be a mantis, if it is a mantis you want it out of your tank.

 

[slofish]

i agree w/ Birdy, go ahead and leave the skimmer off til the cycle finishes.
Also, if the clicking is a mantis, you definitely wanna get it out.