I have The Conscientious Marine Aquarist, great book.
Here's a pm this guy just sent me.
Shopping list
1. Standard combo tank setup - (try to order/upgrade to 60 or 60+
gal high) 55gal tank, stand, hood, lights.
2. Aquaclear 5000 backfilter. (can also buy a small biobead bag in this filter along with your standard charcoal bag if you think you need it, you will not)
3. Undergravel plastic (55
gal size (12in by 4ft - will come in one box w/2 plates)
4. 1 powerhead (larger the better (biggest they have) - any big one can adjust flow down)
5. Several bags crushed coral (enough for at least 4-5 inches on tank bottom)
6. Two medium sized heaters (not one big one).
7. 1 large bag of salt and salinity tester and thermometer.
THAT'S IT
You do not need
Air pump / aerator
Bio Balls, seperate tank, or extra pumps.
Protein skimmer
any canister filtration system
NO chemicals
NO other tester kits (just salinity/salt)
(the only thing I ever use is water 'conditoner' that removes chlorine/amonnia from tap water if I have to make a 'quick' water change, It is always better to mix your salt water and let it sit 2 days before adding tapwater to a live tank. You will not need, as you should set up your tank, wait 2 days, then add fish. Remember, anytime you add ANY chemicals, your f'ing up your (naturally good)buffer.
I really want to believe this guy cause it would be a lot cheaper, but it just seems too easy lol!