Broken Hydrometer causes disaster.... Maybe

So i have my water and my salt. I start adding but the little needle doesnt
move. Add some more still nothing. Whole lot more nada. Guy at the
Aquarium Center told me he would look at it the meter tomorrow.

Thank goodness there is nothing alive in the tank. Any other newb mistakes
I can avoid??

I did get a maxi-Jet 1200 which is running quite nicely. I have added my
"Dead" sand and some rocks though not any live ones yet. Once I get the
water worked out I will add the rock.

Any think I am rushing? I would love to put some fish in by friday.........