Man I wish I saw this thread earlier. I got the budget recipe! A 12 gallon is very hard to keep, too bad you didn't get a bigger tank, there are some real cheap ones out there at Wal-Mart, whole setup for like $35. With that said, sorry to hear about the terrible time you have been having, don't give up hope, everyone here has made mistakes in this hobby. Learn from them and get back on that horse!
Here is some good advice though, this time around go very slowly. Time is gold in this hobby. Everyone here will agree.
The following would be a good schedule for you in my opinion:
Week 1
Get tank working.
Get water in it.
Put rocks in.
Weeks 2-4
Wait. While you are waiting test for ammonia, when that disappears, test for nitrite. When that disappears, test for nitrate. After that has gotten really high, do a water change. Add a good bit of fish food or other safe food to decompose. Check for ammoina growths again, nitrite again and so forth. Got to make sure your system is strong enough for some problems. If ammonia is zero, and nitrites are zero, and nitrates are low then you may continue.
Week 5 (Only if the conditions mentioned above have been met)
Add clean up crew. Only small clean up crew members for your tank. (clean up crew=CUC)
Week 6
Wait
Week 7
Add one fish. Only a very small fish. Ask the people here first before buying and save yourself some cash. Pay no, or little attention to your local pet store, if they let you buy all that stuff the first time, they are irresponsible, and they know it.
Week 8
Wait
Week 9
Now you can add your second fish. Same thing as before.
Week 10-16
Enjoy watching your fish swim around, read the posts here, and before you know it you will be ready to purchase lighting. Ask around here, that is what I did and it save me a ton of cash. (Thanks Psychographic! Those dual coralife 20 watts are working great for me)
Week 17 or maybe later-
You can get your first coral! Make sure you have the right lighting
Week 18- by now you get it, why are you even reading this silly schedule anymore?
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