Brand new and more than a little confused.

[Joseph Elliott]

Sorry for all the questions What would you recommend for test kits - brand and types? And do you think i need a skimmer?

Also since the single rouge anenome there hasnt been any sign of life in my tank... I'm sure the rock is busy cycling but no critters Any ideas? Its been 3 weeks time to turn on the lights?

[intarsiabox]

I personally cycle new tanks with the lights on from the start, although at a reduced photo period that I gradually build up. Some of the life on the rocks may be photosynthetic and will require light to grow. I also wouldn't expect too much out of your rock. Most of the life is bacteria. You will also be getting lots of little bugs, different coralline algaes, macro algaes, tube worms, sponges and such. I once had a trumpet coral grow out of a piece of rock after it was in my system for six months and a few zoanthids apear every now and then. After you get your lights on take a very close look at every inch of your visible rock and you will for sure see stuff growing, most of it is just small. But you never know when something will just start growing out of a rock but it could takes months from now.