Thunder- Good luck and I like the approach you are taking! Seeking out a website like this and asking long time successful hobbyists such as GaryP to actually come over and help you roll up your sleeves and tackle this shows initiative and a sincere desire to do the right thing(s). I think you should be applauded for your efforts and for keeping your temper when others might get really defensive and feel personally attacked in your situation (fwiw I don't think they were meant as personal attacks, but it still doesn't feel good to be on the receiving end of things sometimes). Kudos to you for swallowing your pride and taking it like a man and all those cliches.

Comment to everyone else: Sometimes we forget but we need to remember that our group is somewhat isolated. What I mean by that is that we often only tend to see the more serious and successful aquarists. Unfortunately I would venture to guess that the vast majority of people who attempt to get into this hobby end up with tanks that look worse than Thunder's. He stands out on this site because those other aforementioned people would never make it here for everyone to scrutinize. I guess this is my long-winded way of trying to say that he's doing better than a lot of newbies out there are I bet and given his desire to learn will likely soon do much better if I had to guess.

Just my 1.5 cents, and all JMHO!

Yikes, I hope that didn't sound like a soapbox, I just like when someone new to the hobby seems to actually care- as opposed to those that we've all been next to at a fish store saying all the things that make us cringe.