Live Rock?

[jcsurfn]

I have a 55 gal. tank. I just cycled my tank with 6 damsils. It has been a little over a month. I took the damsilis out and I have a Fox Face in there now. I did not have any reef lighting so I do not have live rock yet. I got the reef lighting and I want to add some live rock. Do I have to have a certain amount of live rock for a 55 gal. tank? What if I dont want alot?
Also what book does anyone recommend. I am looking at getting Corals: Quick Reference Guide and Marine Fishes. Does anyone recommend any other usfull books?
Thank You

 

[jcsurfn]

Also should I add a clean up crew when I add the live rock? If so what would be a good clean up crew?
Thank You

 

[mr . salty]

Reef lighting is not actually needed to keeplive rock.Although it does help.
For a 55,you should have between 40-50lbs of live rock.This can be added allat one time,or a little bit(5-7lbs) per week till you have what you want...If added all at once,you may encounter a recycle in your tank.This is due to the dieoff on the rock.To avoid this recycle buy CURED live rock.
Cured live rock is rock that has already been through this cycle.This can be bought online or at a local fish store(LFS).If bought online,there will usually be some dieoff during shipping.Once again causing a recycle if not cured,or recured.
Curing is done by placing the live rock in a large container of saltwater with a powerhead for circulation for a few weeks.During this time the rock will cause a cycle in this container.Then when done,it is ready to be saftly put into your main tank.
The best way to avoid these problems is to buy good,Fully cured live rock locally,and get it into your tank as soon as possible.As I said earlier,this can be done in one or two large batches,or a little at a time...

 

[jcsurfn]

Thank Youm for the help. Should I also add my clean up crew when I add the live rock? If so what should I get for a clean up crew?
Thank You

 

[jcsurfn]

It has been like I said also a little over a month with the 6 damsils in there. I took them o0ut and I just have a Fox Face in there. I am probably going to take him out if need be to add some live rock. My question is sence it has been a little over a month and my tnk is at the end of its cycle do I want to do a water change now?
If so how much water should I take out of a 55 gal. tank? about 15 gal. or what?
Thank You

 

[mr . salty]

A water change is not really necisary yet.Not till the nitrates start to get around 30...You could add some trace element suppliments like Coral-Viteor similar product...
Acleanup crew is also not needed till there is something in the tank to clean...