First Tank questions

[dlavallee]

Hi All,

I am new to the (reef-keeping) hobby and I am currently researching how I should approach my first reef aquarium. I have some general ideas at present that I would like to put up for feedback to make sure I'm not headed in the wrong direction..

Tank components:

1. 90-120 gallon, 48 inches long, reef-ready drilled with internal overflow box*
2. Stand with canopy
3. 55 gallon sump/refugium
4. Dry rock with 25% live rock seed**
5. At least some sand with a live sand bio-seed
6. LED lights - sufficient for coral reef tank***
7. Kalkwasser/alkalinity fed as needed with auto top-off
8. Reef Octopus 150 protein skimmer (should I use larger if tank is 120?)
9. Wave-maker power heads
10. Aquarium controller

Other stuff:

1. RO water system****
2. Supplies for mixing station
3. Small (10-20 gallon) quarrantine tank

*Area (as opposed to height) is more important for me.. Let me know if you think otherwise.
**Is there an alternative, such as 'farm raised' live rock not from the wild?
***Thinking LED to avoid adding too much heat, so I won't need a chiller, agree?
****I have a whole-house soft water conditioner, do I need De-ionizing in addition to this? The water I get from my kitchen under-sink RO system is running a low PH (6.5) as it is now.

This is a very brief list just to start with. As I finalize these things, with your help, I will come up with a more detailed "shopping" list.

Any and all suggestions or ideas are very much appreciated!

Thanks,

Dave