hey djbacon how are ya. you most definitely are starting fresh/over. i am glad you got the rock creature issue handled. i am not sure what tank setup your LFS has, guessing the curing system is seperate from the rest of the tank systems. so yeah you need something to add nutrients, namely nitrogen, provided via NH3(ammonia). NH3 can be added directly, as in pure everyday house hold ammonia, or any organic(containing carbon) matter that can be decomposed, this includes fish poo and pee. a deli shrimp serves the same purpose, as it decomposes it releases NH3. that is what i suggest, a deli shrimp. in your 14gal just one maybe enough.
i see you have visited this post
Newbies, a little something on cycling/breaking in a new reef tank. the first two long posts i did should give you a good idea on whats going on. i go into adding fish to cycle a tank and some of the risks/problems that can cause. in a 100gal+ system a fish might be the way to go, but in a 14gal a fish will add too many nutrients(NH3 in this case), not to mention what the uneaten foods adds. the second long post(post#14) where i was answering some of BarbMazz questions, goes more into it, i think those questions BarbMazz asked really helps you "get it". if you have any questions on any part feel free to ask about it there, as others just starting out may have the same questions. or post a new thread and see what others have to say about it
couple things not covered in that thread tests kits;
test kits, i suggest you get a cheap kit, like tetra kits, to test for ammonia and nitrites (these are only checked during setups and/or if any issues pop up, and for QT's why cheap test kits). then i suggest better kits, like salifert test kits, for nitrates. for a reef after you get things going you will need calcium, alkalinity, ph(get a monitor when you can), kits at least.
for testing salinity i would get a refractometer, those swing arm things suck. for a fish only system they maybe good enough but for a reef, almost useless, IMO.
for chemistry i suggest you take a look here first
Reef Chemistry for the Beginner. then post a new thread on chemistry and/or what sups to use. lots to choose from-simple weekly water changes may keep things right. dont go out and buy those reef paks with iodine/strontium/calcium or whatever combos they have. if nothing else remember this; research anything and everything before you add it. even calcium comes in many forms/compounds and each react differently. and always
ALWAYS test for whatever you are adding before adding it. i think it needs to be said again, "research everything and test for anything before you add or do something"
