Question about new tank & live rock

[touchdown]

I recently just bought 75 lbs of live rock out of the carribbean from IMF for my new 46 g bf. I am new at this and was wondering what the procedure for statring a new tank was. I placed the live rock in the tank 2 wks ago and added a blue damsel about 5 days ago (he is still alive). Now my question is about the way I went about placing my live rock, I just put it in the tank. Later I was told that I should have washed, cleaned, scrubbed and let the rock dry out for several different reasons. Is this true? What should I do now if so? My levels are Amonia 0, nitrite is btween 20 & 50, nitrate 10, ph 8.4. My understanding is that it is normal for the nitrite to spike in the beginning wks and then decrease. I also have not bought any lights yet (I have been told to many contimplating options). So that is why I joined here to hear from people that actual know what they are talking about. If anyone has suggestions as to what I should do and in what order I would greatly appreciate it. :help:
I also do not have live sand, I have crushed coral. I have the option of buying live sand from a friend who is shutting down his tank. Should I switch it out?

 

[salty cheese]

Welcome to the board

let the rock dry out for several different reasons. Is this true?
Not, that will kill everything on the rock.
The nitrite should be at 0 IMO before you even contemplate adding any livestock.
IMO, get rid of the CC now while you are still cycling.

 

[touchdown]

Thank you! How can I lower the nitrite, I have been adding Biozyme. It was recommended by the people at the store.

 

[salty cheese]

Originally Posted by TOUCHDOWN
Thank you! How can I lower the nitrite, I have been adding Biozyme. It was recommended by the people at the store.
IMO, you need to stop listening to the people at the LFS.
I have never heard of Biozyme, so I can not offer an opinion on it, though it sounds to me like snake oil.
The best way to lower your nitrites is to let the tank cycle on it's own. :happyfish