Sorry for all the newbie questions, I just want to get everything right!. So when it comes to live rock that HAS been cured, once home from the store do I need to take any extra steps? also, for a 46 gallon, what would some fish be that are compatible with the clownfish? thanks again.

What kind of clownfish? I find my Clarkii clownfish not compatible with much in a 46gal. I have a banded shrimp with mine.

And they are still young? That probably gives you more choices than me. Also, if the rock is cured, just throw it in the tank. You will benefit much from LR. It will become the best filtration you have. The thing about those bio-wheels, they will not have nearly as much biological activity as the rock. The only duty i would expect out of your HOB filter is to keep the water clear.

I'm saying the HOB filter will be good at mechanically and chemically filtering the water. Not so much biologically. They can put those wheels on and slap the sticker on the box saying bio filter. It is not... its a mechanical filter. As long as you have enough water flowing through the rocks. Thats where the real action is. Some don't even use a filter. Just pumps and rock.