Good noob setup shopping list?!?!

It could just be because it is what I have, but I really like the 30gal long tank instead of the standard. It gives you 6 more inches of horizontal area and isn't as tall. That means you get more surface area, your lights penetrate better into the water and you get more horizontal swimming space for fish.

Don't forget to also get your test kits. If nothing else, get Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate. That way you can monitor your cycle as it progresses.

For a heater, I chose a Stealth heater as it is enclosed and the fish can't bang it around and risk breaking it.

I'm sure others will have some suggestions for you. You are definitely off to a great start and it looks like you are doing your research. WOOHOO!! The research will pay off in the long run.
 
i think most of what you have sounds like a good start.

however, this is just my opinion here of course. :) I wouldn't bother getting 20lbs of live sand. If you want to and you have the money, sure go for it. But it is very expensive and your "dead" sand will become live sand in barely any time at all. It only took 1-2 months and my tank was teaming with critters in my sand, live rocks, on the substrate, everywhere! It's not a long time to wait as long as you dont plan on stocking your tank heavily quickly, which is a bad idea anyway. (but if you get it for cheap then go for it)

I just think you could save some much needed cash on the live sand. maybe get just a couple lbs of live sand if anything.

I also have a 30 gallon breeder tank. it is wider and not as tall. the fish seem to enjoy swimming around inbetween all my live rock then swimming up and down to the surface.

What about a protein skimmer? I didnt see anything about that.
 
Assuming you want a FOWLR...

Agreed -skip live sand. Apply $ toward a skimmer.

Also - what bulbs come w/ the light? 10,000K/Actinic?

For heater - get a Visitherm Stealth, I'd look at 150W or 200W models, <$30 online, very reliable, won't break if a rock bumps it.

Do you have a refractometer or a hydrometer?
Test kit?
Where is your water coming from?
 
The more i think about it, there is a Current USA Satellite lighting fixture that puts out 96 watts. What do you guys think about that?? I could also get the Dual version with 2x96 watts to leave me with possibilites in the future...

here is the link:
http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/power_satellite.html

the water would be from the tap... so to minimize water changes, would you recomend going with a skimmer??
 
What are you wanting to stock? Those lights will be fine for FO.

A skimmer will help remove proteins in the water but it won't do anything to replace elements your tank needs. WCs with a good salt mix will do that.
 
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