tank spec.

Hows it going,Sounds like you got all the equipment.Adding live rock is always a good Idea.As long as its cured right,You haft to watch out for bad critters hitchhiking a ride to your tank.Pistol Shrimp will eat small fish,crabs and snails,Just make sure you get your rock from a good source.You might want to get more crabs and some snails.Starfish and Sea Cucumbers will keep substrate clean too.Your tank buddies will love you for the rock.I see that you have crushed coral.There's not to many of us on this site.Anybody else here would probably suggest tearing down your tank and replacing it with sand.I hav'nt had any problems with my reef and it's been set up since "92"some say I'm 1 in a 1,000,000 with crushed coral and a healthy tank after 15 yrs.I have had spikes in Nitrates but only in the beggining when I was overfeeding and overstocking with fish.Not doing nearly enough water changes then either(once a month)Now its every week(almost every week)20% w/c.Trick is to start out slow.Add the rock slowly(15,20lbs)or less at a time untill you get the look you want and test alot for PH and Nitrates,ect..I also believe that sand is a better substrate than crushed coral for people setting up new tanks,Because it is easier to take care of and wont trap nitrates as easy.Unless your having problems with high Nitrates and have tried everything else,I would'nt change it on an older tank.When you do it crashes your system.Unless you want to start all over.The way I look at it dont fix it if it aint broke.Do regular water changes w/RO WATER.The rock you add will add a lot of biological filtration too!!You will be fine.Keep me posted on how it goes.Take care,Rick

Any pics yet?