Tank cycled, stock going in, now what?

[diablo243]

So this is my first "reef" tank and first tank with equipment like A slimmer and what not. Tank is cycled and looks great, parameters are spot on and have a couple fish and a couple frags in. Have a few questions and need some guidance from here.

1. When do I start to run the skimmer?
2. When do I start testing for specifics outside the normal cycle tests?
3. How do I determine if, when and what to dose for corals?

Thanks all, I'm sure I'll have plenty more questions but this is my current need to know!

 

[Boesemani]

Sorry I'm not sure about question 1 and 3, but as for testing levels you should do it at least once a week. I'd be interested to know what livestock you have/plan to have currently.

 

[twilliard]

Run your skimmer now, even if it doesn't collect it will aid in co2 o2 exchange
You will know when to dose when your alkalinity calcium is not maintained with water changes.

 

[diablo243]

Sorry I'm not sure about question 1 and 3, but as for testing levels you should do it at least once a week. I'd be interested to know what livestock you have/plan to have currently.

So currently I have a pair of Wyoming White Clowns, a Lawnmower Blenny and clean up crew. I also have a Purple Stylo, Mind-blowing Paly and some Zoa frags.

I test the basics every few days (ph, ammonia, nitrites and trates) but wondering when to move into other testing such as calcium, and things of that nature.

 

[diablo243]

Run your skimmer now, even if it doesn't collect it will aid in co2 o2 exchange
You will know when to dose when your alkalinity calcium is not maintained with water changes.

So is it worth starting to test for those now and if so at what rate? Alk I have heard daily, and calcium less frequently. Thoughts, opinions?

 

[twilliard]

I spot check both once a week but my dosing system is absolutely stable so not much worry.