let there be water

[michika]

For a clean up crew there are lots of ways you can go. Shrimp are usually a staple in many tanks; cleaner, fire, peppermint, etc. Snails are a good choice as well. I personally really like crabs, but its all about personal choice. In the future you could consider a sand sifter star, I find they do a great job keeping my sand white. Regardless, make sure you research what your getting before you buy. FYI scarlet hermits eat coraline algae from your rocks.

Adding more live sand will seed your exisiting sand. If you can get some macro algae from another existing tank can also help kick start your pod growth.

Standard test kits usually seem to include calcium, alkalinity, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, magnesium.

Everything else is personal preference. Be careful you don't change out too much water too frequently. Try a smaller amount like 5-10 gallons weekly to start and adjust from there. Monthly water changes can be done too. Basting rocks makes your tank a little foggy for a day or so, also something else to consider.

Are you running an auto-top off system?

*edited for typos