Well, lots of updates. I did spraypaint the stand and it was a learning experience to say the least. Looks much better now, which is more than I can say for my hands.
I replaced my return hose MYSELF and it doesn't leak a bit. I replaced the rusty metal clamp on the drain hose with zip ties but that needs to be fixed...slow leak. I fixed my new/broken skimmer and I'll test that tonight. I filled the tank with saltwater, live sand, and my mostly cured LR. (That was because hubby was either going to divorce me or pitch my tank if I didn't get all the LR out of the dining room.)
It was hard arranging LR with super cloudy water, but I think it's not too shabby now that the water has cleared.
Day 1
Day 2
(If you look on the far left you will see a little pink shrimp that I added to start the cycle.)
Looks like I have very little re-arranging to do and plenty of room for corals and fish.
Tests last night about 6 hours after LR and LS were added were as expected:
Temp 80
SG 1.025
Ph 8.2
Ammon 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Gotta change the water in my QT tonight! Can't forget those little guys.