I love that physics and physical properties are sooooo integral to the game. I just finally managed to get a little ventilation system going, and I'm working on plumbing (sounds so lame but there's got to be somewhere for the poop to go!) so I'm still really new.
I haven't implemented any of the automation yet, but I'm starting to see where that might be useful with different sensors and valves.
I'll have to pick it back up again soon, but was curious--any advice for a new player? :)
Don't be afraid to start over.

I think my first four-five days of playing, I restarted like 90 hojillion times. I just now got to the point where my colony made it ... like 30 cycles?
I'm seriously hooked, though.