Hi Jo welcome to ReefSafe!
Its certainly a steap learning curve when you start out. It does get easier but it never stops. I learn something new every day.....it may be due to my fish geek status though! You'll find a shed load of good information on here and tools like LogIt! and the calculators (top menu bar) can make it a little easier too. Most importantly just ask!!! There are some of the best reefers in the country on here and the advice they give is priceless! And being as they aren't trying to sell you anything in the process you can guarentee the advice is unbiased!
Most of all enjoy it....its a hobby after all!
