looking good so far. Ya the edge does seem to accumulate a lot of bubbles on the top glass, but that should stop once you get your powerhead.
IMHO...never settle in this hobby...lol. If you have your heart set on something, I would get it. Cause down the road...you're gonna want it...lol
Also...I hate to be that guy and offer up what I would do in that tank because my buddy didnt have a great experience with damsels. Maybe some of the little gobies that way you can add a few of different colors. There are lots of little fish that would be pretty cool in that tank and some sexy shrimp....but again just trying to offer ideas.
Also you should think about the little coral grabbers to work inside the tank...be easier than sticking your hand in it.
But i will be following along...looks like a great build!
Wait to put fish in till after the tank has been cycled.
You're not going to have much success if you get a fish now. Your tank has to learn to deal with the ammonia. Think about it, if your ammonia levels are high now just because you have live rock die off, imagine what will happen with a fish in there. Give it sometime
Chill out haha it's not your salt. This is going to take sometime to come down. What you're experiencing is perfectly normal. I honestly wouldn't bother changing out the water untill the ammonia and nitrite reach 0. Your tank has to learn to deal with the ammonia, let it do its thing. It'll take a good week to do.