If your gonna do dry rock, only use those that are pourous and calcified. I don't know if texas holy rock is or not, but definately stear clear of anything volcanic. $11 per pound of LR is totally rediculous - here in PA, premium cultured Fiji LR is only $5.99 per lb and calcified base is $1.99 lb. I have 200lb's of rock no way I was payin' $6 per lb - went with 1/3rd LR 2/3rd base. The LR contains denitrifying colonies that cut down on the cycling period. Trying to grow denitrifyers from scratch can take months.
I like the Goby - Shrimp combo but not sure it's the best chioce for beginners - not because they are difficult or because I suggested something else but because Goby/shrimp combos live in the sand - one burrows, the other guards the burrow, theres not alot of free swimming going on. Another reason being Shrimp are basically noctural, when the lights go on if theres a hole they can go into usually they do. This isn't written in stone just food for thought - do the research - with any type of molting crustaceans "X" amount of iodine is needed in the water for them to do so. I don't dose any for my peppermint shrimp, theres enuff in the saltmix but this isn't always the case. Once again keep researching - the Shrimp/Goby combo might be exactly what your lookin' for. I have a Yellow watchmen goby - see him even less than I see the shrimp @ once or twice a month. Niether are very good with varying water conditions associated with immature tanks - hate to see your daughter get dissapionted and frustrated.
