Help with SPS color

The link someone posted above looks like a great thread. I haven't read it all the way through but it idea how to cycle these dry rocks.
 
How bad are API kits for Ammonia and Nitrite? I have to order salt this week, Petsolutions has 200g box for $39.99 they also have API kits for like $5. I hate to spend $30 on Salifert or Red Sea Pro when I can spend $10. All other kits I only use Red Sea Pro and Hanna. Once the cycle is over how often if ever would I need an ammonia and nitrite kit? Plus Petsolutions doesn't sell Salifert anymore.
 
Ive used the API in the past they seem very easy to read when it come to Ammonia and Nitrate. I've now switched to RSM but can see the P04 colors very well with their p04 wheels :-(
 
i have to admidt my tank looks so dead with no life in it, lol! I will be gald when the rock cures and I can start the cycle.
 
PO4 test. Not to bad

PO4-M.jpg
 
Hi,I don't want to interfere,I am following this thread all along.But the name of this thread doesnt't have much common with many of these posts.It would be nice these things like "curing rocks" to put in separates thread,so other people could find it easily.Sorry,this is just my view.
 
The colors were the reason i started this thread, the colors and eventual death of some corals is why i am starting over. I am logging my entire experience to see if the restart is what was needed in the chance that what i was in deed experiencing was OTS. Six months to a year from now if i have SPS colors that are bright and beautiful then this all will help someone esle that might have been experiencing the samething.
 
Few questions.Is there a way to test flow to make sure you have enough? I have 2 Controllable Hydor 4's 1400gph each on a Hydor Basic Wavemaker 2 and it is set at alternating 2.5sec. Is there a way to make sure its flowing through or around the rock properly?
 
I was thinking of maybe tying a string to a rock. Assuming the string floats, you should be able to see how the current affects the sway. Just an idea!
 
I was thinking of using an airstone under powerhead and watch the air bubbles, but still how do you know its enough or how it could be better
 
That's a sound idea too!

I suppose the only true test is detritus buildup and polyp extension. Until you get your corals in there, you won't be able to determine if it's not much for the corals.

Maybe you could see if you're getting detritus buildup long term.
 
yep thats the true test, I am trying to not wait that long. By then its to late. I see some people have powerheads on the sides some on the backs, I think I have enough GPH but I want to make sure its flowing through, around and over the rock. When I get some time I will see if I have any airstones and see what i can video with my iPhone and post my flow
 
Can't really see because of the blue and the no white balance adjustment on iphone but here is what I have. The air bubble trick didn't really work to well, the airstones wouldn't stay and one side was getting better air etc...


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/j3TYBqr5lVU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
So as I sit and wait for my tank. I need to start thinking about a stocking list. One of the suggestion that might have been a problem with my tank was not enough fish to feed the corals with poop. I would love to see some suggestions on a stocking list for my 55g. I know I am going to go with 2 True Percs and a BTA at some point when tank is ready. But please make some other suggestions.
 
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