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Emma
Dear forum members, I am planning to launch my first marine aquarium. I have already gone through a huge amount of literature and internet resources on this topic, but as they say, while there used to be little information about marine aquariums and it was difficult for aquarists, now there is too much information and it is even harder for aquarists. Therefore, I would like to hear your advice if possible. Here are the parameters: Aquarium 800x60x50 with a volume of 250 liters + sump volume of 60 liters. The sump has 3 compartments in the classic style: skimmer, algae scrubber, compressor. Salt: Fauna in Professional Sea Salt. Sand: CaribSea Hawaii Black with live bacteria. Here are my questions: 1. The reverse osmosis water has parameters of 6-8 ppm. Is it suitable for salting? Or is it better to look for water with a lower ppm? 2. The eternal debate: live rocks (J.K.) or dry reef rocks (S.R.K.)/bioceramics? What is better for a beginner to start with? I have the opportunity to buy 25 kg of pre-owned live rocks (J.K.). But which is more stable? Could a more stable system be achieved with bioceramics + Prodibio bacteria? 3. Nitrogen cycle. How is it best to start it? Should I put a piece of shrimp in and let it rot in the aquarium? Then remove the shrimp when the tests start showing ammonium in the aquarium? Or should I leave it there? 4. Is there a standard set of inhabitants (snails, shrimp, fish, etc.) that are useful helpers in the aquarium and clean the sand/glass/decorations? Thank you in advance to everyone who responds.