What I'm "dissing" is the idea carbon dosing is a fundamental first step in stability, especially in a new aquarium.Just seeing this. I export using corals, algae, fish, copepods, micro starfish, snails, and a basket of cat litter. I don’t claim to know how all the science works but it’s what I do and it works so far. Sounds like you were over dissing the carbon. Don’t take much but I suppose that depends upon the carbon source or product you use. Slow and steady wins the race.