advice anyone???

[andresont]

I would agree with everybody on all of the above.
Complex ecosystem will take time to stabilize.
Every time you change something (even like rearranging the rocks for example) it will take time to go back to stable state.
Every tank goes through many cycles especially heavy ones are in the beginning. After 6 month it’s manageable and after 12 less noticeable. (but then there is always an” Old Tank Syndrome” LOL)
Add more bio load and yet again need more time to make it stable.
So just like people said hang in there wait, and be patient at least for 3 month no fish no food just water change with RO/DI, clean your skimmer and chemical filtration from day one. You will be OK.
If you do have live stock already then keep it on less fat more protein diet. This way skimmer will be able to work better.
Perhaps get rid of the sand (slowly) way easier to maintain healthy environment, but this one is never ending debate though, worked in my case I use to have DSB now I am very happy with BB.
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