Is this ok??

[reefrunner]

My tank has been up and running for about 3 months now. I am new to the hobby, and just want some advice about whether things look good at this point. Here's what I've got....
37 Gallon Cube tank...
Lighting - 20" SunPod MH 250w 14,000k.
Filtration - Cascade 700 Canister filter. Bout 185gph.
Media - 2" live sand base.
- 45-50 lbs live rock.
Critters - 2 Yellow tail damsels.
- 2 three stripe damsels.
- 1 Clarki Clown.
- 1 Lawnmower Blenny.
- 1 Brittle star...Black/brown.
- 1 Cleaner shrimp.
- 1 Flame scallop.
- 1 Cleaner clam.
- 1 Turbo snail.
- 7 or 8 Blue leg hermits.
- 2 Lettuce nudis.
Water parameters - Amonia=0
- Nitrite=0
- Nitrate=40
- PH=8.0
Turnover rate = 5x/hr.
I know that I need more of a cleanup crew. I will be buying a few more snails soon. And probably a few more crabs too. I'm hoping that that, along with a few small water changes will help with my nitrates.
Please give some feed back about how my set up sounds. Filtration, bioload, parameters etc..
Any and all advice is welcome. Like I said...I am new to this hobby, and just want to make sure that I am doing things right.
Thanks.

 

[earlybird]

I'd try to increase your turnover rate (add 2 powerheads) and lower your nitrates via water change and less feeding. Also, get more snails.

 

[renogaw]

hold off on any stars for a while as well.

 

[socal57che]

I don't know how often you clean your filter media, but I feel that canisters need service more often due to their lack of freely available oxygen compared to a wet/dry filter. I use Fluvals on both tanks and am very happy with them, but they can add to your nitrates if not serviced regularly. I agree with earlybird that you should double your turnover.
ps...rinsing the media in saltwater helps prevent bacteria dieoff.

 

[trigger11]

The only thing I would caution against would be adding too many snails. In fact, I would only add more if you are having algae issues. Otherwise your LB will not get enough to eat. Unless of course you are supplementing with algae sheets or something like that. I originally had 12 snails in my 60g tank and now I have 4 left. They seem to be doing a pretty good job.
Also agree if you are going to be adding any corals to increase the turnover rate. Recommended range for corals is from 20x to 30x from what I understand. Additionally, you will want to get those nitrates below 10 if adding corals. I assume you will be adding corals with the light you have. I just got the same setup with the 150w bulb a week ago. Kinda wish I spent the extra $$ for the 250w bulb. I love it. The coral glows at night with the moonlights on.