TheSaltwaterGuy's 10 Gallon build (pics added)

It really depends on what you stock the tank with. In my opinion a little buildup is good for the first algae eating critter you get. Whenever a brown spot shows up in my sand the Starry Blenny comes along and eats all of it.

So basically a combination of good water and livestock will make the bacteria go away.

 

hmm... starry blennies are pretty XD

 

so im about to put the powerhead in and see if it blasts my maroon away or is actually helpful in this tank lol. thinking about blennies again, i would like a starry blenny but im pretty sure it'd get too big

 

I was just giving advice gleaned from years of experience in this hobby and trying to ensure your tank turns out the way you want it. You don't have to listen to me. I wasn't blaming you for for maroon, but informing you and letting you know what you can expect to happen. I noticed several major issues with what you were doing and told you what "I" would do. Take my advice for what's it's worth.

 

ok yeah i read your advice and i put all the rock back in so now im just waiting for the cycle to end. if i prolonged it then you can say "i told you so!" but it doesnt matter for me; i just want to really establish this tank with livestock

 

probably the best pic i could get; not that my camera sucks but it never shows a totally clear image.

 

My point isn't to say "I told you so." If that did happen, I would try to offer advice to get you back on track, not mock you for not listening. You also seem very eager to add livestock and while that is a very exciting time after the cycle, make sure to go slow, especially with such a small tank. There is really not much room for error. I would add one fish, then wait a few weeks. There's no hurry and to have a successful and beautiful tank takes time and patience.

 

So i added a powerhead and its just bringing in some water flow. its 250 gph and since my maroon is so small it's adjusting to the flow.

 

so i changed the aquascape again and i guess im trying to go for a 2 island look but all it is is 1 rock on one side and 2 rocks stacked on top of each other on another. IMO its better then my other one but probably because it looks like i can glue some corals onto the rocks and theres more space for the fish to swim. i'll post a pic in a bit. pretty simple tbh

 

BTW, I don't think your rock is ugly by any means. Just do the best you can with it and if you want to, break up some of the larger pieces.