Just getting started - Bio balls or not

[Lofus]

Got the gear put together now. Still trying to decide on the DSB. I'm thinking that with all the live rock I should have no problem with nitrates as I am only planning on a tang, 4 or 5 Green Chromis and maybe a couple of clownfish. Am I wrong here?

Here is where I am at now:

 

[Unarce]

There's a nice article in this years Marine and Reef magazine that emphasizes how much swimming space aquarists provide in a reef tank. You have a fairly large tank, but 80-100lbs of live rock and sand will take up a lot of space. Just be sure to not only create lots of caves and crevices, but to also leave enough space for a nice water column at the top of the tank. You also might want to consider other types of fish that can assist in the maintenance of different areas of the tank. Some reef janitors too (like snails and hermits). Live rock can become very unattractive if not properly maintained in a fish only tank. Good luck.