newbie here, need some help!

[barbersmith]

Hi all, im setting up a new tank for the first time in almost 10 years, i have a few questions. i have a 36 gal. tank i started by putting 30lbs argonite and 10lbs live sand and filled tank with salt water from local fish store. i then added 40 lbs of LR wich was shipped from California. (i live in New hampshire)
i know there was lots of die off during shipping. so i am essentially curing the rock in my tank. my ammonia levels are thru the roof. i have 2 800gph pumps blowing directly at the rock and im running a small HOB filter to suck up the stuff being blown off the rock. my question is this, should i be doing significant and or frequent water changes at this point? and also should i add any type of bio booster? any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[theatrus]

my question is this, should i be doing significant and or frequent water changes at this point? and also should i add any type of bio booster? any input would be greatly appreciated.

Most people don't, and I wouldn't bother. It will probably slow down the process. Do remember to top off the tank with fresh water to combat evaporation though Do a water change when you start seeing nitrates, or if the dieoff is particularly bad and it smells.

As for boosters, I used to run totally natural, but have kick started several small tanks using BIO-Spira to great success. Make sure its fresh and best if its refrigerated (do they still sell it refrigerated?). Amazon is a reliable source.

 

[barbersmith]

nitrate is at 10ppm
nitrite @ 5

 

[gone fishin]

I would not bother testing nitrate until nitrite is zero. Nitrite can give false results on the nitrate test.