Coral feeding advice please

[dlehto]

Hello, I am certain my question has been raised many times, but I have read much conflicting advice. I would appreciate any input.
I am new to SWF, 55gal is going on 3 to 4months now. I have a few vsmall star and yellow pollyps, and a mushroom, and a small leather coral. I do very much want to put more, and 'prettier' corals in the tank, but I think I should wait to make sure I can keep/grow the 4 small corals I have. (very inexpensive) before I spend $50 one even ONE coral!
my tank:
55 gal
80lbs LR (fiji)
3 powerheads/wavemaker
130watts PC plus 400W MH (only on one 'side' of the tank)
fan in hood
3 to 5inch DSB
Skilter/Skimmer 400gph combo/hang on.
6 one inch fish and a 1.5 inch baby tang
2 shrimp, 15 hermit, 35 snails
0 ammonia, 0 nitrate (cycle in 2 weeks, a small mini cycle after i added more LR in week 5)
76F
8.2 approx ph
10 to 20 nitrates. (I am working on lowering this)
My Question:
I want to add some nice corals (in month or two?) I'd like to keep/grow the inexpensive ones I have to gain exp, and confidence.
-Do I need to add chemicals for the corals to grow? (websites seem to advertize a zillion 'magic' coral food bottles.
-Do I need to feed them live brine shrimp? or is frozen okay?
-What water parameters should I be checking for my corals? (I'll need to buy the test kits)
-Overall what is the most important thing I should be doing/ not doing?
I have the MH on one side of the tank, so I can put the corals that need the most light, next to it, and other corals that need less light on the other side of the tank. Is this a good idea?
the MH bulb is 10,000k. It does 'yellow' the water a bit on that side of the tank (PC is 50/50) should I put a 20,000k MH bulb? would that be better or worse? would it convey even more heat?
? I have too many questions....
Thanks everyone for your advice and input!

 

[gonefishn]

:nervous:
Ok While you're at it...:thinking:
coral chili supreeme is advirtized on ----...
please tell us if this is good or what?:notsure:

 

[tizzo]

Do I need to add chemicals for the corals to grow? (websites seem to advertize a zillion 'magic' coral food bottles.
No. Don't add any chemical to your tank. All that your corals will need should be provided through water changes using a good quality salt.
-Do I need to feed them live brine shrimp? or is frozen okay?
Frozen would be fine. I target feed mine cyclop-eeze.
What water parameters should I be checking for my corals? (I'll need to buy the test kits)
Obviously ammonia, nitrates and nitrites, but as far as elements, calcium and alkalinity tests are a must. If your calcium is outa whack then a magnesium kit would be useful.
-Overall what is the most important thing I should be doing/ not doing?
Stability. Temp, levels, lights, all need to remain stable. I couldn't get my temp stable for a long time which is why I got a late start in reef keeping. Making sure all your water params are constantly stable is a must!!
I have the MH on one side of the tank, so I can put the corals that need the most light, next to it, and other corals that need less light on the other side of the tank. Is this a good idea?
Not sure of your tank dimentions but a good rule of thumb is that one bulb is sufficient for 2 feet of tank and since you have 400 watts, depth is not an issue.
the MH bulb is 10,000k. It does 'yellow' the water a bit on that side of the tank (PC is 50/50) should I put a 20,000k MH bulb?
A 13K might be more appealing or you could add actinic VHO's or actinics.
P I have too many questions....
That's what were here for.