Hi all,
I have a somewhat newer reef.  Its 5 months old and consists of a 9 gallon display, a 5 gallon sump, both without any sand, but about 14 lbs of live rock (split amongst the two tanks).
Ive still not yet reached 0 nitrates (ammonia and nitrites are 0 though), and am wondering what I can do to aid my water quality.
Here are options, what would you prefer?
- Should I add live sand to the sump? (I dont want sand in the display)
 
- Should I setup a fuge? (what are the benefits)
 
- Or, if i shouldn't set up a fuge, should I change anything with my sump setup? Perhaps different spectrum lighting?  Bioballs?  Suggestions?
 
Helpful info on my setup:
- Sump (5gal):  Its basically bare bones except for live rock.  All its got in it is my equipment: filter, heater, ato, and about 5lbs of live rock.  Also has some weak-bones lights on it.  Ikea LED's... mostly white, probably 5000k.
 
- Display (9gal): Has Nanocustoms par LED spotlights.  These lights have only been on for about a 3 weeks - and I've currently hit an algae bloom.
 
- Livestock: LPS - (torch, octospawn, alveopora).  Softties - a few zoa's.  A couple gobies (clown, neon, another that i cant think of its name right now).  Tailspot blenny.  Cleanup crew consists of 2 turbos, 3 pretty active hermits.  I think they're doing their job pretty well.
 
Opinions, comments?