http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/sta...ss/aqsetup.htm
this is the very basic basic basic instructions. but it really simplifies every thing in a few pages, you can get a picture of whats going to be needed from setup to cycle.
you did the right thing comming to a forum and asking away. you will grow in this hobby if you read read read. followed by asking tons of questions.
i would recommend buying your LR right hear on SWF.com, they sell at about $4 lb. that is the best price ive seen anywhere.
i have never heard anything negative about the customer service, only high praise. I plan to do my future purchases hear.
when you go to your LFS...check to see how they keep the tanks. are they pristine? or nasty? how are the fish? are they happy and healthy? or are they keeping a dozen fish in a20 gallon tank. you can get a feel for a place if you keep your eyes open.
My favorite one is absolutely pristine. Its a hole in the wall, not much bigger than a tool shed, and at first you think no big deal, it was originally a maintenance room for a dentist office, but they rent the space out. However, looking deeper, the owners keep it in tip top shape and all the hardware and guts of all they're tanks are open in plain site, and always clean and new looking. the water is perfect and clear. the fish are always healthy. The proper fish are in the proper tank size, and no overcrowding goes on.
