help the newbie

[saltytom]

i just set up a 55g tank about a week ago. after adding instant ocean salt and some stress zyme, most of the levels have spiked. is this normal? i don't want to put any fish in until i am comfortable with the condition of the water. any advice will be greatly appreciated. chemical suggestions are also welcome.
thank you for any help.
:help:

 

[thomas712]

Do you know about the cycle of a saltwater aquarium?

 

[cindyski]

oh boy, you have not done your home work
i'll just start off by saying:
1. dont plan on putting any livestock in your tank for at least 6 weeks.
2. do not add any chemicals to your tank during its cycle.
3. do some reading, search on here about cycles

 

[saltytom]

i am not sure how to cycle the tank. i have a skilter 400 protein skimmer/filter. i have used the skimmer portion but none really came up. i used crushed coral as a base andd added live sand on top. i followed all ratio instructions propperly as far as adding salt, but the salidity seems to be high to when i use the hydrometer. ?????