[ZMattie]

Welcome to TRT, it sounds like you have a good start. You dont have to have a sump, although they are beneficial. I think you could have a great reef with the equipment you have now, just make sure you have enough flow so detrius (fish waste) doesnt build up under your rock piles! Ask away, 99% of the time someone will be able to answer your question(s)!

 

[ZMattie]

the only reason i ask is your ammonia and nitrites should be 0 otherwise your inhabitants might not make it very long. Ammonia and Nitrites are extreamly toxic to mairne life.

Very true, nitRATES are not good, but not all that horrible if theyre not extremly high. nitRITES on the other hand are NOT GOOD lol, they should always be at 0. Its possible, since your nitrites and ammonia are high, that you tank is still cycling. nitRATES, kill your inhabintants slowly, nitRITES will kill very quickly...