[djbacon]

OK, well, the LFS confirmed it, they were definitely hydroids and they definitely did sting. They were good enough to let me get a new batch from another cure tank. This time I mixed it up a little bit. Made a new foundation of the fiji live rock, and got a great piece of some other stuff with tunnels on both sides to allow for better flow and passages for the fish and clean up crew!! Im much happier with this aquascape. I did find another hydroid and quickly dispatched him.

I also found a couple feather duster worms which I am perfectly happy to leave in there on a smaller piece of rock.

My tank levels have been stable for 3 days. I have removed the bioballs because this is going to be primarily a coral tank. Everyone seems to agree that it is the right thing to do, and I bought the skimmer from oceaninc, which should arrive in a few days. I figure I'm basically starting from scratch with all the changes today, which brings me to another question for you fine folks.

The guys at the LFstore are telling me I need to add a biostart compound or a damsel fish or two to generate some poopoo to start this tank cycling. Will the decomposing shrimp Lynn suggested have the same effect as the fish poo?

The LFS is telling me since all the sand, cured live rock and saltwater came from the store environment, and has all acclimated to each other for months, they are telling me that if I do not do this the tank will never really cycle, I'll just keep pushing water around.

Some books I have read suggest sacrifing a small fish (which may actually survive the process). I'm was also under the impression that adding fish this early, even to kick start a cycle, may have bad results on the growing bacteria. (or is it already grown from being in the store for months). I had believed I was to add nothing for the first month to stabilize the tank and allow the rifght bacteria to grow. Is the starter fish an exception? Getting a lot of mixed info and now I'm confused.

Thanks again for all your help guys,
New aquascape pics below!!