Thanks!
Well ive had it running about a month now.. has been a less than orthodox start compared to stuff i read. I have not been able to test and nitrate at all.. im talking zeros.. but with the ammount of LR and die off i had, theres no way i haven't cycled. Got a Turbo, 3 "spiney snails"? (slower, smaller, and spikey looking) and 2 hermits. have had them for about a week now to try to get the hair algae under control. just got a mushroom which seems to be enjoying himself, but also picked up a peppermint shrimp to take out some aptasia, but he died after 2 days. :-( and didnt eat a single onE!!!1!! not sure what the problem was, as everyone else seems to be doing just fine..
pH is a bit high but whenever i test it over 8.4 i put a few drops of vinegar in and i hope it will slowly be less necessary (as the cement cures further) will put up a few more pictures if people are interested..

Fishward I appreciate the info. Sounds like you're having fun with your new obsession!

I was actually harassing i have crabs for an update haha.