[vjvl51]

Welcome Mark

Your total flow should be from 5 x (for fish only) to 20 x (SPS tank) your tank size. It depends upon what you will end up housing in your tank and what you like the looks of.

A sump and a refuge is always an asset to any tank - the bigger the better. Some people use combo sump and refuge but separate units are better. The sump usually has lots of flow and for the macro algae in the refuge to be effective, the flow must be slow.

I would get the biggest skimmer that you can afford. There are some brands that have good reps and some brands that you should avoid. I like my Aqua C skimmer realize that there are other brands just as good or better. My skimmer is rated for 180 gallons and I have it on a system that has about 125 gallons.

I like the Salifert test kits and recommend getting Ca, Alk, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates and pH to start with. If you have problems getting your Ca up to 400, then get the magnesium kit.

Many people prefer a sand substrate over crushed coral. Do a search for DSB (deep sand beds) or substrates and you will find lots of info.

Vickie