Black,
I understand your choices that sound exciting. Buying tangs, clams, not having recommended lighting, etc. I personally, learned most of my lessons the hard way. When I took my co-worker under my wings, as a beginner reefer, we kind of understood, that while I was not an expert, what I did works. Try it this way, see how it goes, and then make improvements.
And then, on his own, he grew to a very good reefer. I told him more than once, that I was kind of jealous, that I did not have someone to help me, when I got started.
Fast forward to today, and I am much more patient about my reef, than when I started. I still make mistakes, but I make less of them. So in summary, I would suggest keep going on your path, to learn from fellow reefers, MR, Reef Central, etc. It should quicken your learning curve, save you $$$ and should make reefing more enjoyable, that you will limit some of the mistakes you learn, while gaining experience with this hobby.
Sounds like you are doing fine. Keep up the learning and patience is a good thing in reefing.
PS. One tidbit, is that when you buy frags and equipment from fellow reefers ask to see their setup. Most reefers, are happy to talk shop. I learned so much from when I buy something from a fellow reefer who shares his/her knowledge.
I always find it interesting in seeing someone else's setup. I pickup great ideas that I can use.
PSS. Other suggestion, try to use a camera to illustrate some of your future issues. Such as, if a coral looks sick, take a picture, etc. I find showing a picture helps for some issues to illustrate to other people, so they can help.
