my beginner tank!! any recommendations?

[coastalcoraline5181]

hellooo!!! i decided to create a thread where i can track my reefing journey. i've had a 10 gal for the past few years and finally upgraded so right now i have a 35 gal topless with the aqueon quiet flow, NICREW light with LCD timer, caribbsea live sand, and about 15-20 pounds of dry rock, since didn't want to risk any hitchhikers. One of the rock is covered in algae right now because ive had it longer than the other two and my blenny and snails are loving that one rock. my tanks a bit empty and while i'm saving up for some new additions, i'm open to taking some recommendations for either my build or new livestock! I'm really interested in learning about how i could take even better care of my tank, so maybe so recommendations about additives or water treatments as well?
PLEASE NOTE: my corals are super closed in the pictures attached, they were added into the tank literally like 10 seconds before taking those photos. they're happy now :)

Current equipment:
- Aqueon quiet flow filter
- NICREW light with LCD timer
- AQUANEAT flow pump (getting delivered today!)
- HITOP submersible heater

current livestock
- 2 occellaris clowns (bonded pair)
- 1 lawnmower blenny named benny the blenny who lives in his castle
- 1 firefish
- 1 green chromis who likes to hide near my filter
- 2 mexican turbo nails

corals:
- 1 pulsing xenia (that has a different type of coral growing out of it, pretty cool)
- 1 green and blue sympodium

current parameters:
- temp: 78 degrees
- salinity: 1.26
- alk: <0
- nitrates: <0

 

[Tahoe61]

Congratulations on your knew tank.

Learning aquarium chemistry is extremely helpful. Choosing the right test kits and interpreting values. Initially I was easily susceptible to the marketing of supplements. Over the years I have learned to be more cautious regarding the products I introduce to my tank.
Reach before purchasing all livestock and equipment saves both money and reduces frustration.
Do you have an ATO yet?

Welcome to R2R. :)

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I don't see any powerheads listed in your equipment, maybe it was missed? But in that size tank the hob won't cut it for water movement.

 

[coastalcoraline5181]

Congratulations on your knew tank.

Learning aquarium chemistry is extremely helpful. Choosing the right test kits and interpreting values. Initially I was easily susceptible to the marketing of supplements. Over the years I have learned to be more cautious regarding the products I introduce to my tank.
Reach before purchasing all livestock and equipment saves both money and reduces frustration.
Do you have an ATO yet?

Welcome to R2R. :)

thank you!!
i’m super excited to learn about it all. and i don’t have an ATO yet, but that’s on my shopping list for sure. right now, i’ve been manually topping off with RODI water as needed but i heard ATOs make it much easier to maintain

 

[coastalcoraline5181]

I don't see any powerheads listed in your equipment, maybe it was missed? But in that size tank the hob won't cut it for water movement.

yes i noted in my post that the pumps are getting delivered today, they were supposed to come in sooner but got delayed unfortunately so these pics are from before the pumps and then i’m planning on posting new photos once it’s added in there. definitely won’t cut it without the flow