New setup/new to the hobby

[Tooboot]

Starting this thread to document my progress as I start up in the hobby. Did tones of research so far, started my search for equipment (tank) through used sites and found a deal faster then expected. I understand the benefit of larger tanks, fewer swings, but couldn't pass up the opportunity of the 40 gallon bow front and custom stand I ended with.

I also have a 20 gallon tank that's has baffles added as custom sump. The overflow and return is very simple plumbing with a single 2 inch hole in the back draining to the sump where I'll include a micron sock. A Jebao 3000 is used as my return pump, and a used bubble magus 3.5 as protein skimmer. I'll also keep a eheim 100w heater in the sump as a back up to the neotherm 150 I'll keep in the tanks overflow.

Recently picked up 30 lbs of Marco rock, 20 lbs of some other reef rock, and a fan shape pukani rock. I glued some pieces together and did up my aqua scaping, and added the sand (about 2" sand bed). I made theasy decision to start with all dry rock, I'll add some shrimp in a cheese cloth to start my cycle, i'very got the time.

As for flow, I picked up an rwe jebao power head and aqualink wireless controller. Been fun using and trying different settings when doing a water test to check for leaks (was all good).

As for lighting, going andown have been wanting LEDs. Instead of shelling out 500+ for quality LEDs off the start, I'll be building my own. It a bit I timid a ting as my first foray into electronics/soldering. I'love be hooking up some forms of controller for the lights, either a Strom controller or find some guides for an Aduino setup.

Anyway, here are some picks, not sure what else to report. Waiting on a refractometer then I'll pick up salt and for the first batch I'll mix it in the tank. Any salt brand recommendations ?