I've always wanted a salt water tank, but new it would be a lot of work.however, I took the plunge! I wasn't aware how much it would cost me! Right now I am unemployed, and perhaps salt water was not my way to go! I got a 30 gal tank, a stand, a filter, plants, fake coral (cant afford the proper lighting for real!) live sand, salt, 30 gal of distilled water, a back drop, and a salinity monitor! I thought I was all set. I got 9.5 lbs of live rock, 15 hermit crabs, and a test kit. I went back to my pet store because I have the pleasure of the fish guru! I went back and got 15 more hermit crabs, and 8 more lbs of live rock. I wasn't satisfied! So, after I got the rock in my tank and I started to acclimate my crabs, I went back. I got the other 12.5 lbs of live rock I needed. So as it stands, I have a beautiful set up with 30 lbs of live rock, live sand, and 30 hermit crabs. if all my tests are okay, I am going to get 30 snails (the ones that shift sand, I forgot their names!) and 15 turbo snails. Oh, I also got the pro heat heater with built in digital thermometer, very nice. I think I am on the right track, but I have spent almost $700 which I really can't afford, so I can't fail. Especially since I am so excited! I wanted to buy my son a fish, but ended up pleasing him and finding a really great hobby for me! What's my next step anyone? I know I am missing something!! help me succeed! I want to be experienced and able to past my wisdom on in the future to newbies like myself!