Personally, I add as much sand as I can get from a friend's tank, live rock from the store and fill with water.  There will be plenty of die-off from the live rock alone to cycle the tank.  When the ammonia drops to zero, I start to add livestock.  And I add livestock slowly to allow bacteria colonies to catch up to the increased bioload.

The use of pure unscented ammonia ...

 

I find it incredulous that you'd suggest to an admitted Novice to add ammonia to their tank.  Using ammonia to cycle or even test for nitrifying bacteria is best left up to the experienced hobbyist, imo.  Even then, I'd suggest an ammonia salt over liquid ammonia.

The biggest draw back to using pure unscented ammonia over typical fish foods, or grocery store bought table shrimp is the method requires a large water change of 90%.

 

Help me out.  Why does this method require such a large waterchange?

 

The pure unscented ammonia can reek havoic on the PH of a tank

 

You're adding enough ammonia to cause a pH increase?  That's a lot.  Another reason to use an ammonia salt.

 

We talked with Mark Peterson today who offered some good advice and told us of some good articles to read.  Then Steve Burton called and generously offered to come over and test and look over the aquarium.  We learned a lot from his visit, and apparently things are not as dire as we thought, he said he's seen worse.  All water parameters were good (Calcium was a little low).  The hair algae is abating a bit thanks to some good advice (ugly mermaid web artical referenced above - Thanks Mark).  We've pulled out tons of algae by hand, and the regrowth is slowing down.  The hermits and snails are beginning to make some noticeable difference. 

 

Thanks to Steve we now have a plan on how to improve our refugium, overflows, water flow, aquarium look, and have a better idea on how to proceed with inverts, fish and corals.  Today was quite and education, and we're looking forward to tomorrow nights meeting. 

 

Thank you to all who have offered live sand and macro algae, I think that will be the final puzzle piece that will get us set in the right direction.

 

 

 

 

Please read this www.garf.org/ugly.html and then call me to discuss the specific pros and cons of things that can be done with your particular tank.

My number is below. If long distance is a problem, call me with your number and I'll call you right back.