[djbon]

+1 for reefgeezer. I won't recommend a complete recycling method in a less than 2 years tank. Mine is more than 4, all live rocks and sands are freshly harvested from the ocean. I remember correctly that my cycling period only lasted 3 days, so I know the substrate is full with nature's goodness. After many months running without skimmer, without any mechanical filters etc (only GAC), my nitrate is still below 5ppm, PO4 less than 0.05ppm. I have to admit that I do have a small algae through (4" diameter PVC pipe cut into half, end capped on both side) but I don't throw the harvested algae, I fed it to my fishes. So far my tank is doing great.