test kits:
-
FO tank:Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate,
PH
- Reef tank: Calcium, Magnesium, Alkalinity, (some will say Iodine as well)
- (why do i feel like i missed something?)
Protien skimmer: size is basically based on the
GPH of the recommended pump. You'll want one that has a
GPH of about 2-3 times your tank size. (is that right folks?) anyway, most skimmers have a "for tanks up to" rating on them.
Dry Rock: old coral, you can find decent priced "base rock" online in lots of places.
Live rock: add the dry rock and live rock before the cycle, as it will actualy start the cycle for you.
lights: your right, depends on what you want.
FO tanks only need lights to please you really, type doesn't matter so much for fish. For reef tanks thats when it gets really subjective based on what you're plan on housing. Do extensive reasearch here before purchasing as lights are big $$$.
Filter, if you're going to have a
DSB and
LR + skimmer, there's no real need for a filter.
for powerheads you're usualy looking for 10 times you tank size in water turnover per hour. so You're looking for about 550
GPH total. but I would reccomend not providing this with a single powerhead as you want to be sure water is moving all over your tank. (no dead spots) Personaly, I would go with 3 PHs of about 200
GPH each.
HTH