Finally got things going... need some advice

[gabemerrill]

So after various unexpected distractions I finally got everything setup last week.

11/10 added 50 lbs dry reef rock (on bottom), poured in 75 lbs aragnite and started the pumps
11/11 added 30 lbs Gulf View Rock and started the skimmer
Ammonia was .75 mg/l
11/12 Ammonia was .6 mg/l
Nitrite was .5 mg/l
11/15 added 20 lbs LR from LFS and 3 lbs LS
Ammonia was .5 mg/l
Nitrite was .3 mg/l
11/16 Temp 79F
SG 1.0235
Ammonia .25 mg/l
Nitrite .3 mg/l

Here's a link to my tank specs

I've got several Questions now that everything is running.
1) How much time should I run the lights, what kind of schedule. I've got 3x96w VHO (2 over the 50 and 1 over the 30)
2) What do I feed all the bivalves and feather dusters that came on the Gulf View Rocks.
3) When do I need to start feeding the bacteria I'm growing so they don't die (ie cocktail shrimp)
4) When should I buy macro algae and start lighting the sump/fuge 24x7
5) Any suggestions on adding livestock. I'm thinking a few small cleanup snails and hermits soon then a firefish or 2 after nitrite is zero for a week or so.
Seems the more I know the more I know I don't know...
Thanks!
Gabe

 

[SpecialK]

It's looking good, you can use a shrimp from the market to help cycle. I would not add any clean up crew or livestock until you have fully cycled.
I did not use my lights or add any macro alage to my sump until I was fully cycled.
I am also curious to see what others have to say about the feather dusters.
I am sure others can be of more help to you on this matter.
Good Luck,
Kaye

 

[gabemerrill]

So an update, tonight tests read:
SG 1.0237
Temp 79F
Ammonia ~0 mg/L
Nitrites ~.15 mg/L
Nitrates ~10 mg/L