When do I add the pre-filter for a new tank setup?

[ecrew]

I've read a lot of threads dealing with prefilters on the intake tubes. My question is if I do a "fishless" cycle on my new 90 gal tank, I wouldn't think I would need a prefilter until I added fish. Am I right? If I do a cycle with fish, do I add the prefilter in the beginning or after the tank is cycled. Does the uneaten food and feces help build the bio-load?

[Carol_Roberts]

I set mine up with the prefilter right away, but it isn't needed until you start adding solids to the tank (fish and food) :)

[Cosmo]

I'm with Carol. Question is, why wait when there's no fish in the tank anyway?? Certainly can't hurt and it'll still help keep the filter media cleaner.

Jim

[ecrew]

Thanks to you both! :)