What do you think ?

That's what I figured; advice from the evil LFS

I agree with Cheryl. I/O has been used for decades, and is considered to be one of the most stable salt mixes out there. I would stick with it. I switched to Reef Crystals recently as I wanted the added calc/alk/mag for corals. But I plan to switch back once water changes no longer keep up with demand and then dose.

 

+2

Another IO user here. No red slime or PO4 issues in my tank.

 

I'm not bashing IO at all. I've just read and been told by friends that have reef tanks and LFS that there are better salts for corals. My red slime issues have nothing to do with IO. It has more to do with the fact that my tank has been running only since January. Just normal new tank issues that most in this hobby go through.

 

You have a good amount of LR now...you honestly didn't have enuff before unless you have supplemental biofiltraton in the system. As for how it looks, aquascaping is something you'll get a feel for.

The idea is to make a pile of rocks not LOOK like a pile of rocks. To that end, you'll want to keep "like" type rock in the same structures so it blends better. Also, each piece of rock actually has a "place"...be sure to turn them different ways when placing them, and you'll feel the piece of LR settle in like a piece of a puzzle (be sure to wiggle each piece/structure to test stability).

You may need to pull all the rock and lay it out to see what shapes and sizes you have to work with. Don't feel that you have to use ALL of the rock...when you like your 'scape stop. Sometimes I given the 'scape a few days to see if I like it, and start over or change what I don't like.

Think about your goal or what you'll be keeping and 'scape accordingly.

Place the rock in contact with the tank bottom, as this will make it more stable if you have anything that digs.

Also, try not to lean the rockwork against the tank panels.

These are things I do when I set up a system.