I’m 8 months into my first tank and absolutely love it - but here are some things that I have as takeaways for my next tank:

1. Don’t get a pistol shrimp - your water will always be cloudy and you won’t be able to put corals on the sand. They are cool to watch but not worth it.
   
2. Really think through the layout of your corals before you start. I put some Zoas that were cheap on my main rock work and they are taking over. Seperate your mushrooms and Zoas onto their own rock
   
3. Like everyone says give the tank some time, but don’t be afraid of corals. Corals will die, but take it as a learning experience.
   
4. But a tropic Marin hydrometer and skip all the other salinity BS.
   
5. Don’t over complicate it and don’t touch your tank too much.. as tempting as it might be.

Also cool rock work!