Welcome to R2R! We all mistakes in this hobby and we can either learn from them and move on or give up altogether. You've obviously learned and it has paid off. Very nice tank! ;Joyful
Welcome to R2R Marty. Tank looks good. I can see that with your experiences you will have a lot to give to the forum. Also lots of knowledgable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.
My first tank ever was a cichlid tank... Stumbled into a saltwater tank store one day and I haven't looked back since.. think I'm going on 25 years of keeping aquariums total... Welcome to Reef2reef... It's an awesome community...