Freshie maybe going salt with my 300 gallon?

[Milad]

I've never had a fish tank before my 180g. And so far I really havent killed much but I did alot of research. Right now I wish I had a 300g instead of 180g, lol.

[kien]

This will be a great set up and I think you are already on the right track with the correct mindset. You already know that it's going to cost you time and money

As you suggested yourself, just start out slow. Rocks, salt, a few fish. That's really all you need beyond what you already have. Things like sand, skimmer, lights, is sort of a personal choice and usually ends up depending on what your ultimate goals are with the tank.

[e46er]

My advice
Spend the money and do it right the first time
Good skimmer good lights good pumps
I'm on my 4th submerisble pump for a return in 3 years and just moved my 120 today and will be drilling the sump and running external pump that will also run phosphate and Bio pellets they are so much more maintaince free

[Kevotron]

Quality equipment will make life much more easier ie. skimmer, lights, pumps, powerheads etc, sure u might spend lots of money to acquire all these items but in the end it will save you alot of headaches and potential livestock losses which in the end saves the money u originally put into investing these equipment.