1. what size tank is that?
2. Do you have a sump?
3. Do you have a skimmer?
4. Will all your equipment be HOB, or located below the tank in the sump? (heaters, filtration, etc)
5. IMHO, I would ditch the API kits. They are notorious for inaccuracy, and hard to get an accurate reading. They may be fine for the initial set up, but I'd get a kit more dependable. I myself use Salifert test kits.
6. Will this be a fish only tank?
Although I am only 3-5 years into the hobby, one thing I have learned, is to have PATIENCE. Nothing good happens fast, but everything bad can happen in a hurry. Take your time, and cut no corners. This is one hobby, that should not be done half ass
As reeferntraining mentioned, get your levels to spike, and then come back down to zero before adding anything.