I'm new and have a question...or two

[TheReefGeek]

Your filter media is your live rock.

Some people will "baste" their rocks with a turkey baster to kick up all the junk, then run mechanical filtration for a day or so, then wash out the sponges.

Many people dont run any mechanical filtration at all.

Some run carbon on and off too

[Sushiman]

I've liked a "layered" method to filter my aquariums; where several methods are used; overlapping for success. aggressive skimming, live rock & DSB, refugia, water changes, carbon & phosphate resins; I love using SeaChem's Purigen as it can be recharged easily many times before it becomes exhausted. I also run a 40W UV, & I'm a believer. I also include a good clean-up crew as part of the filtration equation; many folks focus on algae control with a clean -up crew, but I'm more concerned with left-overs from feeding time (look at what's in my tank! Pigs!), if everything is consumed, it doesn't have an opportunity to rot & foul everything & oh yes, become all that bloody nuisance algaes.

[TheReefGeek]

I very much agree with your system Sushiman

I too rely on agressive skimming, DSB, lots of rock, macro fuge, uv sterilizer, and cleaner crew.

I don't run carbon or phosphate remover, but that would probably be even better.