Reef tank frustration

[Blitz06]

First off, YOU CAN DO THIS. we have all been there.
Breathe.
read until you cant anymore! Lol.
let the tank mature.
idk if ur aio has filter socks or a cup with floss to filter out junk. To each his own. I ditched socks and just use filter floss. Cheaper and easier but to each his own. Either works.
Just read. I wont tell you how bad my first 6 months was. But you will make it. Good luck.

https://www.reefaquarium.com/2012/keeping-anemones/

Ultimate Guide to Setting Up a 20 Gallon Saltwater Tank - My First Fish Tank

Create a stunning 20 gallon saltwater tank on a budget. Find out how to set up a plug-and-play aquarium with high-tech features.

myfirstfishtank.com

My First Fish Tank: The Beginner Guide To Saltwater Aquariums

Our beginner guide to saltwater aquariums make setting up your first fish tank easy. Step-by-step instructions, build lists, and gear guides!

myfirstfishtank.com

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

This article was sponsored by @MarineDepot at www.marinedepot.com. Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is no...

www.reef2reef.com

Thank you so much i think my biggest issue has been starting over whenever i deal with these problems in the past i always downsize.

 

[-XENOMORPH-]

Thank you so much i think my biggest issue has been starting over whenever i deal with these problems in the past i always downsize.

I would stick with what you have and slowly work thru it. Once you get your parameters stable, schedules set, water changes if you desire or need, etc, then for example you could save up for a higher grade light or whatever else u want. Again this is just an example. It's your tank, not ours. Only tackle one thing at a time. Remember the best statement that's always on here is true---> nothing good in a reef tank happens fast. If u get stability tho... the rest is easy peezy.

 

[schooncw]

No matter how "experienced" we are, so much goes on in a reef tank that just can't be quantified or explained, if you will. I believe that "real" live rock is the foundation of a stable system and I would add more.