Help with check list.

Ok, I am about to start putting together my 45 gal. I have some newbie questions. Should the overflow go into the protein skimmer, then sump or the other way around. How many powerheads for current do I need, I was thinking 2. And finally could someone recomend a good water test kit.
Thanks

 

I would say sump then skimmer not really sure..

Powerheads depends on strength.. It's best to have 2 or more of lower strength than having just 1 strong one. Flow depends on what you plan to have coral wise.

API test kits are the best IME

 

Overflow should feed your filters in the sump which in turn runs through your skimmer and return to the tank. That is how i have mine setup.

E

 

by sump I assume you mean a refugium? Many people have the refugium and skimmer both in the sump. Then the overflow line would split and go to both.

Koralia and Sicce are both good brands. Tunze is also very popular with Vortech being "top of the line," but are also much more expensive. The rate of flow will depend on what you want to keep. Like said before, several smaller pumps is better than one large one.

API, Red Sea, and SeaChem are all good test kits. Hanna checkers are awesome if you have the money.