Iam way to lazy to rush or push a cycle. I could see if this was your first SW tank and wanted to to get to the salty goodness faster but Like I said Iam way to lazy to go through the trouble.
My last tank i set-up I
1. dump in sand
2. add salt water
3. stack rock ( I dont clean rock when being added to new setup, helps kick cycle into gear )
4. Wait a month
( or until all readings tests at 0 well not all readings
)
5. add stuff.
Your xenia does look ****ed, not dead but mad.
just keep reading these and other boards no one starts SW knowing everything out of the gate. oh ya find a new LFS or at least someone in that store that has a better handle on giving out good info.
Peace out!!