Exciting getting your first fish isn't it? I've read through your thread which was very interesting. Thanks. Everything seems to be coming along in a very controlled and informed manner. It's funny, I had imagined you to be a man, probably in his thirties/forties, but then I saw you say that your "hubby" was laughing at you. The internet is great at mind games isn't it!! lol. Anyway, back on topic...
Great choice on Oceallaris Clowns, as they're supposed to be easier to keep and hardier than Percula Clowns. I chose the Percs (because the colours are slightly bolder) and they also look fantastic in the tank but they are, initially, very difficult to keep happy and, in my experience, they appear to be susceptible to more illness. I had a few problems with mine but now they're doing fine. With everything else to think about, I could have done without the hassle in the beginning. Clowns look great and your children and visitors will love the Nemos! On the flip side though, Clowns don't do very much, particularly once they have found a host. Don't be surprised if they only occupy only a few cubic inches of your tank (or to one side) and just dance up and down all day long. Mine have only recently started venturing elsewhere. Personally, I like fishes that swim in and out of the rockscape and that are always active, hence loving my Six-Line Wrasse and Flame Angel. You'd probably want to leave these territorial fish until the end though...
I'm surprised that you chose not to run the stock skimmer for at least a few weeks to see how you get on with it. I found it to be very good. I just think that it's good to endure some "pain" so that you can appreciate the differences and learn about how everything works for yourself first. A lot of people are running stock everything with great success, including me up until a few weeks ago. I admit, after a while, I did find the stock skimmer to be noisy and my wife did mention it a few times, etc, but the main reason I swapped it for the Tunze 9002 was so that I could use the media rack.
Good luck for 2011.