Someone help

[LiiDsz]

Ok so I just brought a used 29g biocube included was a protein skimmer uv sterilizer power head light bioballs extra carbon and extra filters live sand and live rock. I work in the fish dept at a pet store but when I started I've learned everything as I continued employment. I know how to maintain a saltwater tank but starting one up on my own is a lil more tricky. So far I have my live rock at work in a saltwater tank just to maintain it since I emptied the tank and threw out the sand ( I didn't want used sand ) my ideal tank that I'm tryin to start is I guess a reef tank. I def want a flaming angel an a type of butterfly fish I couple anemones some coral a ocarlis clown fish ( preferably 1 or 2 ) some mushroom and a some type of blenny groupie or gramma if not one of each...

1st question is Bio balls or no bioballs? I still have the used ones I rinse them off but should I even buy new ones or just not use them at all?

Cycling- I def want to start up as soon as possible with cycling I'm not in a hurry with fish. I have already premixed sw from work or I can get OR water from work which is easier and better?

Cycling - I have live rock I want to cycle with and I want to get some tanga branches and occasionally throw in some frozen shrimp just to produce some bacteria rather then using a damsel ( being that it's an aggressive lil bastard ).

But as far as that I do need some advice am I going about my plan the wrong way is their an easier way should I think of a different filtration method please help I'm all ears ! Thank you in advance

 

[Freshnoob1]

The general opinion I've gained from this forum is go without bio balls. They just harbor nitrates.

Do whatever's easiest and cheapest water wise.

You should only need one frozen shrimp.
Make sure to keep the shrimp in a very fine mesh bag so you can easily dispose of it.

 

[LiiDsz]

Thank you but with out the bio balls should I put something else in replace I keep hearing about live rock rubble or chemi pure and the fish I have chosen are they good together?

 

[Holygral]

anemones need a stable mature tank, 6-12 months before trying, they also need high end lighting, 4-6 bulb T5, metal halide or good 3 watt LEDs

 

[bavass]

does your RO water from work also include a DI? If not then not every thing is removed from the water can cause issues.

 

[LiiDsz]

Yes it is ro/di I actually just called to make sure and my employee was like duh because that's what we use to feel out sw tanks