round two.

Honestly, as I think that I've finally seen the light, it seems like you're doing the right thing by researching before you get in over your head. Keep asking questions.

From my experience, I would only use one to two powerheads (depending on their size) for circulation, put the rest of your money towards more live rock.

The wet/dry will work great as long as you pay attention to the waste that is collecting in the bio media (if you plan on using it). Another way to go is to research the Miracle Mud type filter. Especially if you want to change to a reef tank in the future. I've been using one on my tank for the past 7 months and it has worked great.

I would definetely hold out on ordering the manderins. They typically only do well in tanks that have been well established by time. Basically, their diets consist of substances that only exist in well established tanks. Definetely do a bit more research on them before ordering.

As for your other fish selections, I would avoid putting just about any eel with smaller fish. They will definetly become a meal. If you are looking for an eel that is active, try a banded snake eel. They are fascinating creatures that do not get quite as large as the other type of popular eels. Just make sure that you have large enough tank mates.

Anyway, keep learning as much as you can. It is better for you, and most importantly, it's better for the fish.

Totally agree with the Mandarin Dragonettes, they need a tank of 6-12 months established with the longer being preferable. I've waited for at least 2 years to get one since I didn't have the right tank but finally two weeks ago I had the right set up and the tank had been set up for 2 years when we got it, so I went out and bought a little Male Spotted Mandarin and he is doing fantastic (the tank is a 120 with about 200lbs of live rock). As to the Eel, the problem with them is if you want to keep small reef fish, they are capable of eating small fish. I know because the only reason I got my very healthy Black Ribbon Eel is because he ate a 4 inch Dragon Goby at some other guys house and I don't have a clue how he managed it. Even the smallest of the commonly available eels (the Snowflake) will get 3 feet long when adult, but there is a Golden Dwarf Moray commonly available from Marine Center but they run $350, and max at a foot. They would be safe and they are gorgeous but I would be afraid of spending the 350 then awaking one morning to realize that it decided to go carpet surfing (they supposively can fit through very tiny cracks). As to small reef safe fish DEFINITELY look into the Basslets (besides Triggs, Eels, Lions, and Gobies these are some of my favs) with some of the best species being the Black Cap Basslet and the Assessors. Also look into Gobies of all types, Blennies, Pseudos, Cardinal, small (Fairy and Flasher) Wrasses, maybe a Pygmy Angel (1 out of 2 will generally nip corals so watch out for that), a pair of Clowns, etc (I'm not recommending all these, just look into these and decide what you like the best and go from there-one thing I would suggest is if you really want a Mandarin then don't get any pod eaters-Cardinals among a few others-). Anyway, hope this helps.