Im in Chicago, what part are you from?? Im just starting off too. My tank just got through its cycle with LR and LS. I just added a protein skimmer this week and am going to add some fish this next week. Probably just 2 clowns. I have some astreal snails in there that I put in to clear up the diatom bloom that I had, and let me tell you those guys are like vacuums! Only put in three and they cleaned EVERYTHING in about 5 days! One of them just died and Im not sure from what, my readings are perfect. Let me recommend going to the Living Sea over in Park Ridge... best saltwater store in Chicago.