OK, it's a little late, but I'll jump in. Even though the original poster hasn't responded..

1) see if you find someone to take your "stuff" for a little while. If you were here in SA, I'd put them in my 55, which has nothing in it (but it's been set up for 6 years).

2) what are you measuring salinity with? If it's not a CALIBRATED refractometer, or a good old-fashioned floating hydrometer, throw it away. Swing arms have killed more fish than just about any other piece of equipment. There is no way to know when they aren't working anymore...

3) the first rule of SWF - "bad, BAD things happen to those who rush in".

4) and finally, WE ARE HERE TO HELP. Please don't run away - we've all been beginners at one point in time.