re new marine set up

Question
QUESTION: Hi I have just bought a tank for a marine sstup, any advice would be great.
Many thanks

ANSWER:
Hello,
Please let me know what you have for a set-up.  Please include all of your equipment that you have bought. I can try to give you a step-by step. thanks
Todd

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi I have an external pump, powerhead, heater, thermometer, hydrometer. I have added coral sand and salt to the water and according to the hydrometer the water is at the right level. I am just waiting on a protein skimmer and aqaurium light which should be here in a few days. The water has now nearly cleared from adding the salt and coral sand. Im not really sure what to do now really, I would love to add a peice of live rock, but im not really sure how to look after it and at what stage to add it to the tank. I have read in books that it is a good idea to addd it to the tank early as it will adjust the ph level in the tank but as I have not yet got a light and protein skimmer up and running im not sure if it would be a good idea. please help, any information will help.

Answer
Hello,

you have done well so far. Turn on all equipment if you have not yet. You may add live rock to your tank now.  Please make sure it's cured live rock.  Add about 1-2 pounds per gallon.  This will help you cycle the tank.  Please put the rock on the glass bottom of the tank (not sitting on coral sand).  Once the skimmer and light arrive hook them up.  The skimmer will help skim any die off from the rock.  The light will add some algea (you want pink algea).  Then in about 1 month your live rock will start to turn all kinds of cool colors and life will begin to spring up.  Please do not add any  delicate fish for atleast 3 weeks.  You want 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite  You want a ph of 8-8.3 and nitrate of about 20 ppm. Salinity of 1.022-1.025 temp of 76-80.  The tank needs to sit and cycle.   You could add some hardy fish like a chromis or damsel. (this is another way to cycle a tank)  Or just wait.  Let me know if you need anything else.

Good luck todd