Do's :)		Don'ts :(
Do use RO water.		Don't use tap water.
Do cycle your tank with uncured live rock.		Don't cycle your tank with damsels. Damsels are mean and aggressive. They will limit what you can add to your tank later. Even if you think you've got a nice damsel, you might wake up one day and find that it's flipped out.
Do use a sump, protein skimmer, live rock, and overflow as your main filtration.		Don't use canister filters as main filtration. This is freshwater technology!
Do use a phosphate sponge.		Don't let phosphates turn your corals brown and cause ugly algae growth.
Do keep your fish plump.		Don't overfeed! It can lead to high nitrates, phosphates and bad algae.
Do use nassariuss snails and/or sand sifters to clean your sand. Or stir your sand weekly. This slowly releases debris as to not shock your system		Don't stir your sand if you've never stirred it. You could be releasing deadly toxins.
Do use a protein skimmer.		Don't buy a cheap skimmer. You'll end up replacing it with a better skimmer. (But having a cheap skimmer is better than none at all.)
Do research or ask about livestock behavior. For corals, be sure you have the right lighting, water flow, and water parameters. For fish, be sure it's compatible with other tankmates and you have the right size tank and food.		Don't buy on impulse because something looks cool.
Do change bulbs regularly on reef tanks. Most bulbs last 10-12 months.
Do test your water parameters before and after adding livestock.
Do create drip loops with your power cords. Elevate power source so if water drips down cord, it won't cause a fire.
Do 10-15% water changes every two weeks.
Do be patient while your tank cycles.		Don't add chemicals to speed up cycling. You may be doing more harm than good.
Do research the right type of system for your needs. (lights, filtration, tank size, equipment)		Don't buy on impulse. You will waste money re-buying the right equipment or on dead livestock.