Ken,
While your tank is cycling, lights aren't really necessary. Most live rock is cured in vats at the suppliers for a week or two without lights. A few hours a day is ok for any photosynthetic organisms on the live rock for now. Once the cycle is complete, you can begin increasing your photoperiod gradually. Don't worry so much about the
algae growth. It is a natural part of the process. The main thing for now is patience and keep an eye on your Ammonia, etc. This is a slow process. Until the cycle is complete there is really nothing that you should do except for topoff water and perhaps a 10% water change as I had previously mentioned.
As for supplements, mentioned in your other post; I do not recommend anything. Your salt mix will provide all that you need. There are a jillion additives for sale but IMHO, these are not necessary. Some reefer do dose some but anything added to the tank should be done with care and in moderation. I personally avoid all additives except for my saltmix, food and Kalkwasser. Once your tank has cycled and begins to settle down, dripping Kalkwasser will aid in removal of phosphates in conjunction with
protein skimming and help to maintain Ca and Alk.
When your tank is matured, perhaps 6 months down the road, and its time to begin adding a few corals, then you need to make sure that your Ca and Alkalinity are in the proper ranges. This 6 month waiting period will give your sandbed a chance to mature to the point that it will provide biofiltration for a modest bioload. If the Kalkwasser isn't maintaining the proper levels, then one of the 2-part supplements, like B-Ionic, can be dosed to get the levels up.
Remember, nothing good happens in a hurry in a reef tank!
Dick
[ 08-16-2001: Message edited by: FishDaddy ]
