New Tank (Re-Set) Questions

[Carz]

Months ago I decided to re-set my tank due to vermited snails and just wanted a new aquascape. In the process I acid washed and bleached the same rock. Built the new aquascape and then cooked the rock for about 6 weeks. I made a new sump to hold the reefmat 1200 and skimmer and a fuge. I had to put my 6 tangs in a holding tank for the entire time. I cycled the the new set up and added the fish back into the new system slowly. My nitrates are still reading 11.6 and Phosphates are still reading .60. So high for sure. What should I do to lower them so I can add my corals from my QT. I am running the ocean direct sand in the fuge and Aqua forest Life Bio media for added bacteria. I am running my tank lights for only 2 hours a day so there is no algae growing anywhere in my system. Its been up and running this way for 7 weeks to avoid a big ugly stage when I turn the lights on full time and add the corals. So What do I do to lower my parameters. I am trying to not use bottled solutions, however I still add a capful of Seed daily and will start Microbactor Clean soon just to hopefully avoid a big ugly stage.

 

[Carz]

I am currently not running the skimmer because of adding the extra bacteria daily

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Those numbers aren't really high. 11.6 is actually low for softies and most LPS.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Its been up and running this way for 7 weeks to avoid a big ugly stage when I turn the lights on full time and add the corals.

You need to turn the lights on and get the algae cycle started. There is no avoiding it and you're only delaying allowing your tank to mature and stabilize.

 

[Carz]

I thought about adding a few LPS, but not sure about my SPS yet and just lighting up the LED's