So...a little bit of an update. I have my tank up and running! I have about 25-30 pounds of live rock in my tank now. Well...10 pounds of dry Fiji rock and 10-15 pounds of live rock. I got the background on. It is a dark blue. Has anyone used the sea-view aquarium background sealant? I would NOT recommend it, at all. It does not live up to my expectations of what it should do, that's for sure.
Right now my tank is officially cycling and I am proud of that for sure! I did a lot of research about getting a cup or a bowl of sand from your LFS to seed the tank for microorganisms. I have been told that even in some cases, the tiny life that makes up the minimal phases and basics of a reef is what some people like looking at more than the reef itself? Is this true? Anyways, I got 3lbs of sand from one LFS. I drive to another one and they wouldn't give me any....So I got a hold of one of my reef buddies and drove to his house. For 25 dollars I got 5lbs of good, established fiji-rock. I got sand out of his 75 gallon display tank and some of his water. I added it last night and I have already noticed a decent sized Cauliflower Coral growing on one of the rocks. Asterina Starfish, Worms, Red-bristled feather dusters/ tube worms, Corraline Algae, and this is only the next morning. What else can I expect to see in the micro-life category??
My salinity is at 1.024-25. I am fine with that. My temp is at 78. I am only running a HOB filter with Carbon in it as of now. I plan on getting a skimmer and powerheads whilst the tank cycles.