If your havent purchased the lights yet, ATI does produce a 5" T5 fictures, with bulb wattages of 80watt each. 2-3 bulbs would give you light levels your prefer and better coverage.
I think your confusing his house with his studio. His studio is in a metropolitan area, which I plan on visiting next april, but his house is in the same prefecture but far enough away from the hustle and bustle to look rural.
I only get Green Dust Algae in my high light tanks, and only on the glass. The only way I know of controlling it, is through light duration. Green Spot Algae can be cause by a lack of phosphate.
What about the Power-Line kits, its ethernet over power lines. Its works pretty well, I use it for my slingbox. No issues with wireless, and your gaming consoles would see it as a regular ethernet connection.
I'm a big fan of Stealth heaters, I think I have probably 6+ atm from 300-75watt and wouldnt use another heater.
As for filtration, it depends on what you plan to stock, are you going with plants (co2 or non-co2), or fish only?