Ok setup new tank, it cycled for 3 weeks but..

[lodestone]

I added new rock namely to get it up to about 40lbs. I returned some bad rock to the lfs and swapped it out for a 6lbs of credit. This rock is basically pre-cured live rock that has been in there system for a long time. So paid a bit more for it. Added a bigger cleaner grew. Bought one coral lps. Anyways by no means is this idea, I do not have a QT, I have read and read about adding live rock to new systems talked to the shop owner about it, namely took a sample to him and tested my water it has completely cycled all my numbers look good, added a more aggressive bio-media filter, for up to 80 gallon tank and mine is about 32 minus maybe 10 gallons for displaced water volume. So I am cycling a lot of water through the filter and pre-filter / skimmer. Overall a big gamble all week will sample twice daily. Do aggressive water changes if needed. Below are the pictures. Aqua scape looks horrible tried my best but the rock unfortunately was not as uniformed as I thought. But once I get some more corals(if the tank survives) it should look better.

Please feel free too Vote above?


Heres a few pics.

 

[Oscar47f]

As you know live rock can have potential pests but most of them can be controlled and live rock does come with benefits as well. I think a successful tank is more than likely for you because many people have used live rock and had major success.

 

[EthanDouglas]

I think that if you don't like the rock scape now, don't risk not liking it in the future. You can change it up much easier while there are few inhabitants. Also, I've read from many sources that the "X pounds of rock per gallon" rule isn't absolutely necessary to follow. You can go for a smaller rock scape and be just fine. I think it will be okay to remove some pounds, especially with such an oversized filter. Imo, it doesn't look HORRIBLE. I kinda like the look of the cave in the middle. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

 

[Reef2zach]

Lol you sound defeated before you've even had any problems. Take it easy and don't be to aggressive with your changes. This hobby is ment to be enjoyed not constantly worrying about everything. Do your weekly water changes. Test your levels like once a week. Any more then that and your gonna be prone to try and "change" stuff. Your scape is fine, once coral grows over everything you won't see the rock anyways. Just remember this is a hobby and your bound to mess things up and if it's your first tank some things will die and some things will fail. Just take it easy and learn from your mistakes. Good luck!

 

[nanosteve]

What kind of lighting are you using for your coral?

 

[lodestone]

Thank you so far so good 24 hours and less then .25 ammonia more yellow then green. yesterday was up to .25. So far so good ph is good and salinity no change. Did find one bad hitchhiker been looking at the rock very close for more Aiptasia Anemone, I killed it without remorse. And a swimming anemone attached to one of my snails rear side, kind funny looking but this snail spends all his time under the gravel. I think next time I see it might remove it, I like the way it looks but I am shuddering at the thought of a swimming anemone or many in the future. Thank you Ethan I kept looking at it I think I found a little better rock scape.
Reef2zach I read up on adding live rock to a new tank so for a newb like me the outlook seems grim but so far looking good. Nanosteve For the little CandyCane I bought, just the Biocube 32 led lighting so far it is doing ok. Might need to shorten the daylight setting on it a bit 6am to 10pm, scared I might be over doing it.

 

[Reef2zach]

Thank you so far so good 24 hours and less then .25 ammonia more yellow then green. yesterday was up to .25. So far so good ph is good and salinity no change. Did find one bad hitchhiker been looking at the rock very close for more Aiptasia Anemone, I killed it without remorse. And a swimming anemone attached to one of my snails rear side, kind funny looking but this snail spends all his time under the gravel. I think next time I see it might remove it, I like the way it looks but I am shuddering at the thought of a swimming anemone or many in the future. Thank you Ethan I kept looking at it I think I found a little better rock scape.
Reef2zach I read up on adding live rock to a new tank so for a newb like me the outlook seems grim but so far looking good. Nanosteve For the little CandyCane I bought, just the Biocube 32 led lighting so far it is doing ok. Might need to shorten the daylight setting on it a bit 6am to 10pm, scared I might be over doing it.

I run a 12 hour cycle. 7am to 7pm. Any more then that might cause algea to grow uncontrollably.

 

[lodestone]

Thats good advice, wondering how long for the moonlight setting does that effect algea too, 12 hours daylight and 4 or 6 hours moonlight?

 

[MamaLovesHerReefTank]

If you're unsure of your rockscape, there is an awesome thread here on R2R. I warn you it's pretty big but it has a ton of advice, ideas and lots of pics. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-on-creating-amazing-aquascapes.97209/