rinsing the rock? I havent heard that before, but owell. Weekly water changes are recommended, but if you use tap water DONT. It is best to use RO or Distilled water. Make sure your skimmer is plugged in and clean it every day or two (the collection cup). You have to wait to cycle. Usually 4 weeks, but wait about 6 before you add anything into the tank. I have pc coral life actnic lighting vho and some of my rock is looking better than other of it. 1/2 of it has been there 5-6 weeks the other 1/2 bout 3 weeks. What I put in last, looks best, but I just got the vho bulbs. I haven't seen any critters other than a couple of snails that I noticed when I bought it.