thanks for the advice and encouragement. here is more info on my set up. the tank:28 gal nano cube cf-quad(wave maker option set at 2 minutes). used live sand, 50/50 live rock base rock., heater of course and a oceanic bio cube protein skimmer. occupant so far are 10 hermit crabs and 1 snails.
tanks initial set up was 04feb '11.
feb 8 water test pH-7.8, ammonia 0.50 ppm, nitrate 0, nitrite 0.50 ppm, phos 0, alk yellow at 20gtts, sal 1.021
feb 14 water test pH7.6, hi p 7.8, nitrates and nitrites 0, alk 11 gtts, Ca 440 ppm, phos 0, sal 1.023. buffered tank to get pH up.
i have turned off the light to see if the green algae would die of and i think it is working, or the cleaners are getting fat. the water is sl cloudy but i am thinking it maybe doing some cycling? i am trying to keep hands off for a while, thought i was over think ( a bad thing for a newbie to do!!)
what is your theory on how you set up your rocks? any extreme don't i should be aware of? planning on getting water testing kit, any suggestions? what is your thoughts on putting a light in plants in the filter area? the black foam in the filter works but needs cleaned frequently or should i worry about getting the tank regulated first? thanks again have a good day