New to hobby and RC

[Chen1009]

Hello everyone :wavehand:

new to the hobby and just getting started on a 45 gallon tank.

tank has been running for about 2 weeks now, just added some bio-spira to it 2 days ago.
http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/attachments/saltwater-beginners/121497d1376319724t-starting-my-45g-fowlr-tank-img-20130810-00048.jpg

A few questions:
1. Should I add more rocks? btw those are the pukani dry rocks from BRS. I still have a few more pieces left unused, can't fit all of them in there, but maybe 1 or 2 more pieces?

2. Did a water test last night, have traces of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Should I be adding ammonia source (fish food) everyday since I added the bio spira stuff? Should I turn the skimmer off?

3. Is it necessary to seed the rocks with a fully cured LR?

Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated :)

[Reefmedic79]

[WELCOME]

1. Whether or not you add more rock is up to you and your aesthetics, you do want about 1lb per gallon at minimum though to maintain a sufficient bio-filter.

2. Not really, personally I don't believe in Bio-spira when the nitrogen cycle can be started without it and it will take just as long. If you don't have a bio-source then there is no need to skim, but there won't be any issues leaving it on, it's mostly up to you.

3. It is necessary if you'd like to get the bio-diversity and micro-organisms that come on LR, i.e. pods, bristleworms, coralline algae, ect... These things will likely come in with coral frags and such, but there is no reason you can't start their growth right away.

[Lynxone]

[WELCOME]

1. Whether or not you add more rock is up to you and your aesthetics, you do want about 1lb per gallon at minimum though to maintain a sufficient bio-filter.

2. Not really, personally I don't believe in Bio-spira when the nitrogen cycle can be started without it and it will take just as long. If you don't have a bio-source then there is no need to skim, but there won't be any issues leaving it on, it's mostly up to you.

3. It is necessary if you'd like to get the bio-diversity and micro-organisms that come on LR, i.e. pods, bristleworms, coralline algae, ect... These things will likely come in with coral frags and such, but there is no reason you can't start their growth right away.

+1 to Reefmedic

I think your aquascaping looks nice but its all about what looks good to you. Just make sure you have enough in total system for proper filtration. Nothing says you can put some more rock or rubble in your sump if you want that minimalist look in the DT.

[Chen1009]

Thank you for the welcomes and suggestions!
I have indeed added more rocks to the tank, however I don't have a fully cured LR to seed them. Is a small piece of LR enough, say 5 lbs?

[Chen1009]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>
3. It is necessary if you'd like to get the bio-diversity and micro-organisms that come on LR, i.e. pods, bristleworms, coralline algae, ect... These things will likely come in with coral frags and such, but there is no reason you can't start their growth right away.

The main reason I went all dry rock is I don't want to deal with any unwanted hitchhikers that may come with LR :) Is it possible to get those micro-organisms you mentioned without seeding with a LR? If i have to wait a bit longer I'm ok with that...
If not, then I will look into getting a good quality fully cured LR ;)

[thegrun]

Worms and pods will all need to be added if you want them since you used all dry rock and sand. Some of these will show up as hitchhikers on coral frags if you don't dip them or in chaeto if you add it to your refugium. Adding a piece of live rock from a trusted source (a friend who has an established pest free aquarium) is the best way to seed a new tank.

[Chen1009]

Worms and pods will all need to be added if you want them since you used all dry rock and sand. Some of these will show up as hitchhikers on coral frags if you don't dip them or in chaeto if you add it to your refugium. Adding a piece of live rock from a trusted source (a friend who has an established pest free aquarium) is the best way to seed a new tank.

Thank you :) I don't know anyone who keeps a saltwater tank. I might try the LFS or is there any trusted online companies?

[Sugar Magnolia]

Worms and pods will all need to be added if you want them since you used all dry rock and sand. Some of these will show up as hitchhikers on coral frags if you don't dip them or in chaeto if you add it to your refugium. Adding a piece of live rock from a trusted source (a friend who has an established pest free aquarium) is the best way to seed a new tank.

This! I started with about 30# of dry rock from BRS and bought about a 5# chunk of LR from a LFS to seed my tank. Once the tank was cycled I bought the 9/$99 package that IPSF.com sells to add some biodiversity to the tank.

[welcome]

[Chen1009]

This! I started with about 30# of dry rock from BRS and bought about a 5# chunk of LR from a LFS to seed my tank. Once the tank was cycled I bought the 9/$99 package that IPSF.com sells to add some biodiversity to the tank.

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

Thank you I will check them out!

[Chen1009]

One more question, do I need at least T5HO lighting for those micro-organisms or coralline algae?

[EllieSuz]

Now is the perfect time for you to play around with the rock arrangement in your tank. You want to be sure to leave adequate space around the rocks on the ends so a Mag Float algae cleaning tool will pass easily between the rock and the glass.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Lighting doesn't matter to the micro organisms, coralline algae or fish. It's the corals that require high light.

[Chen1009]

Now is the perfect time for you to play around with the rock arrangement in your tank. You want to be sure to leave adequate space around the rocks on the ends so a Mag Float algae cleaning tool will pass easily between the rock and the glass.

Excellent point! Thanks :)

[Chen1009]

Lighting doesn't matter to the micro organisms, coralline algae or fish. It's the corals that require high light.

I see :) good to know since I only have a T8 50/50 light.

[u00bdl1]

Good start, i like the looks of your tank!!!

[Reefmedic79]

The main reason I went all dry rock is I don't want to deal with any unwanted hitchhikers that may come with LR :) Is it possible to get those micro-organisms you mentioned without seeding with a LR? If i have to wait a bit longer I'm ok with that...
If not, then I will look into getting a good quality fully cured LR ;)

Here is what I did, Hand picked the LR and looked for the densest 10lbs (about 2 fist sized rocks) I could to prevent anything from hiding within the rocks that was clear of any aptasia or mojano, and haven't had any unwanted hitchhikers. If you've got a friend with a clean and clear tank, that may be your best bet.