lol its a lot to take in at once....i spend hours studying reef aquarium info and its funny because even when i've built a good foundaton on one subject i find something new to learn. its a huge jump from fresh water to salt water and with the knowledge and the right tools it doesn't have to be a hard one.

but i do really appreciate all the links becaue they give me a good solid place to learn

I haven't read everyone's replies, so I'm not sure if I'm echoing or not. Sorry if I am...

Do yourself a favor and throw out your pH test kit. I'm not joking. First, pH test kits are horribly inaccurate. If you're going to bother yourself with testing pH (and I don't think you should at this stage in your reefkeeping) get a more accurate testing device like a handheld pH tester or an in-sump pH meter that you are sure to calibrate regularly. Otherwise, just don't test it and you won't have anything to worry about. The reason I say this is because if all your other major parameters are in check the pH will be within range too.

thanks myka, honestly im going to stop testing pH and focus more on the important stuff. its all new to me and a big surprise that no one actually tests pH and im glad for that.
thanks