Questions - Need some input

So my tank has been going pretty well. Almost too well. My Montipora has been putting on a measured growth weekly, gorgonians open and growing, even my goniopora has grown and attached to nearby rocks.

But I've always been unhappy with the tank.

Last week listening to Gary & Christine's Reef Threads podcast (which is a nice replacement to the Reef Addicts podcast since it is updated like.....NEVER! I'm looking at you Melev!) ...

Getting ready to go on vacation to sweet San Diego and irony strikes.

Showing Mom how easy it is to take care of the tank thanks to my Reefkeeper 2, and I drop it in water. Absolutely fried. Now I have to come up with a timer, replace my less reliable heater and hope for the best. Bad times man, bad times!

So, I know San Diego is Jessy's stomping ground, what fish stores are the ones to visit? Anyone?

What disasters struck your tank before vacation?