You're going to see lots of debates about the bio balls and lots of opinions to not use them because of their tendancy to be nitrate traps. Many replace them with live rock rubble.
I'm not familiar with that particular skimmer. I'd ask around on different reef forums about it before buying it. Some LFS stores can be great but it is a good idea to get recommendations and feedback from someone not trying to make a profit from you.
Powerheads really vary so how many you'll need will depend on the particular model and how your rock is set up. You basically want to avoid dead space. A wavemaker is nice for some but not a neccessity in my opinion. One of those things I'd advise listing as a future purchase instead of an immediate one.
It sounds to me like you are good canidates for SW. You don't seem to be rushing, you sound more than willing to research, and have a willingness to do some DIY as well as experience in FW.
I'm still not sold on the Uniquirum being a great deal. Maybe, maybe not. From what I know they are all in one cube type tanks right? Not neccessarily cube shaped but an all in one system. I see many getting all in ones and then discovering they can't keep some higher light needing species because the lights are inadequate and etc. You might try asking around for feedback on them on various forums. This is a good one, reefcentral.com is another. Just look around and ask as many as you can BEFORE buying that tank in my opinion.
I'm not familiar with that particular skimmer. I'd ask around on different reef forums about it before buying it. Some LFS stores can be great but it is a good idea to get recommendations and feedback from someone not trying to make a profit from you.
Powerheads really vary so how many you'll need will depend on the particular model and how your rock is set up. You basically want to avoid dead space. A wavemaker is nice for some but not a neccessity in my opinion. One of those things I'd advise listing as a future purchase instead of an immediate one.
It sounds to me like you are good canidates for SW. You don't seem to be rushing, you sound more than willing to research, and have a willingness to do some DIY as well as experience in FW.
I'm still not sold on the Uniquirum being a great deal. Maybe, maybe not. From what I know they are all in one cube type tanks right? Not neccessarily cube shaped but an all in one system. I see many getting all in ones and then discovering they can't keep some higher light needing species because the lights are inadequate and etc. You might try asking around for feedback on them on various forums. This is a good one, reefcentral.com is another. Just look around and ask as many as you can BEFORE buying that tank in my opinion.
