Beginner in need of assistance

Pasfur

For the record, somebody somewhere will give you hard way to go because you have a castle in your aquarium. Let me be the first to tell you that IT IS OK. It looks unnatural, yes. But this is YOUR aquarium and you are the one who looks at it every day. If you like the castle, then keep it.

I am glad you posted a picture. Pictures are very helpful. Your sand bed is a nice depth and the live rock looks to be porous and good quality.

We tell newbies to SLOW DOWN because they tend to act first and ask questions second. What feels slow to you will often be racing along to someone more experienced. Out of curiosity, what brand of salt mix did you use? Did you test the water after it was mixed, prior to adding it to the aquarium? For pH, alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and calcium? Every bag mix should be tested when opened, to ensure the salt is adequate for use in your tank.

The experienced marine aquarist will think of things that you will rarely find written. We are just trying to help. I highly recommend that you ask first, wait 24 to 48 hours for feedback, and then do whatever it is you were about to do. LOL Sorry, its just true. You can save yourself some easily prevented mistakes.

Any chance I could talk you into removing that castle?

Pasfur

For the record, I am seriously considering a FOWLR and a shipwreck. True true!!

shadowfax33

The company I purchased the equipment from delivered everything and set the tank up, going over all the parts, step by step. He tested the salinity, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates as he went. The Salinity was 1.019 w 0ppm of Ammonia/nitrite and nitrate. The salt is Coralife Scientific Salt. The Sand is carib Arag-Alive Sand (Fine).
OK, the castle is cheesy. I've always loved them though. Think it looks cool and not planning on entering any contests. Think my nieces and nephew will like it, so it will stay I know, its not natural. However, if someone finds Atlantis, my aquarium will become the most life like
Thank you for all your help. everyone has been so nice. Definitely trying to temper my enthusiasm w a little discretion. Already learned sooo much. When I started thinking about the Marine tank, thought I'd buy a tank without a runoff, get a Hang on the wall filter, heater and light, put some salt, crushed coral and aquarium furniture in and have fish in a couple of days........
Read about substrate, LR, Cured LR, Uncured LR, HOW/External Canister/Internal Canister mech/chemical filters. Learned about Bioballs Vs LR as Bio filtrs. Learned about Protein skimmers, UV filtration. Water flow, lighting, species compatability, QT tanks, testing, salinity, pH, metabolites, additives....Whew.

THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT ADVICE.
Cheers