Advice for a newbie...here is my setup so far

[wickedfrags]

A nice looking system.

Some of my immediate thoughts:

1. First don't worry too too much about the fish. While you may have rushed to add some, they may have been significantly stressed from shipment or poor collection practices and not going to live regardless. That being said, consider all the fish you want to add carefully as taking a poor choice out is no easy task.

2. Next time, only buy snails OR hermits......the hermits eventually grow and kill the snails and take their shells.....I only go with snails myself.

3. I would also consider taking offline or out of use what appears to be a black garbage can beside the sump....a food grade container is always recommended as others are know to leak contaminants into your system.

4. How do you plan on maintaining your calcium and alkalinity? I did not see a calcium reactor near the sump or any 2-part dosing supplies.

Cheers.