thats awesome, all my live was cycling in a rubber maid container, and was nice and clean. was also transported in the water to minimize die off. im thinking my tank must be good to go. i will post a couple pictures up, i have a couple weird white fuzzy looking things growing on my live rock. almost like like a bee hive... or a small ball..

I have a couple of those little white things too. Tagging along, in case someone has an idea of what to do with them. They are not the cutest things in the world.

Good luck with your fish purchases. I am impressed with your patience by the way! My tank cycled in record time as well, but I was off to the races and lighter on cash shortly after that. haha

we have been using tap water with prime as well for topping up water

This could also be the reason you have not been reading any levels of ammonia and nitrite.

"Prime® removes chlorine, chloramine and ammonia. Prime® converts ammonia into a safe, non-toxic form that is readily removed by the tank’s biofilter. Prime® may be used during tank cycling to alleviate ammonia/nitrite toxicity."

i have a couple weird white fuzzy looking things growing on my live rock. almost like like a bee hive... or a small ball..

"Q-tip" sponge ?
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...sponge_842.jpg

nope it doesn't look like that one? its very small and looks like a little half circle, like a build up of salt. only its not.

well took a few readings today


80 degree
specific gravity: 1.024
ph 8.2
nitrite 0 ppm
nitrate 0 pp
ammonia 0 ppm
calcium 450ish ppm is that to high?
alkalinity 2.4

how does that look?

Wow, that alk reading is really low. Sure it is correct and in dkh or is the reading in meq ?

it is in MEQ.

took the plunge last night and picked up

4 ocellaris clowns
10 blue legged hermits
1 larger snail, red leg i beleive?
4 small snails

so far so good!

whats the best to feed them.

I prefer to feed an assortment of frozen food. I use mysis, mussels, algae and squid... all I can think of at the moment. and you may want to pick up some Garlic extreme and Selcon Vitamin C. I defrost food, pour off liquid and feed. I add the Vitamin C and Garlic every once and a while.