Ok, so i need some help with decision making

for light i'll be getting the t5 tek, i would like the mh, but that's to expensive and with the cost of a chiller, wouldn't be able to afford either of them

 

This piece of advice is somewhat confusing. IMO a protien skimmer is just as important as a good light. Personally, I think you need both but it seems like you are downplaying the importance of a skimmer. I have seen skimmerless systems fail time and time again. Doesn't usually happen right away. It usually happens after the liverock is finished absorbing all of the phosphates that it's going to and eventually just leaching into the water. BTW the light she is getting is probably on of the best if not the best all around fixture on the market.

 

Id get a fixture with active cooling, on a smaller tank a tek can add more heat to a tank than people think. I had my 8 bulb tek over my 90 in a cool basement about 2 inches from the surface of the water and with no fan would easily raise my temp a degree or two. My solution was a ugly floor fan pointed across the surface of my tank. Id look at aquactinics or ati has some affordable models as well. Also, id really consider trying to make your tank sump ready. Look around, find someone who can build u a sump out of acrylic to accomodate your stand, orange county ca? Bet if u asked around on a local forum or lfs u can find someone. glass holes dot com has some awesome overflow boxes, i got a black one for a 40 breeder i have and drilled 2 holes for the first time ever without a hitch. I also had a remora with the surface skimmer box, its very hard to get to stay level, takes up space but not a ton and skims decent...once the weight of the box pulled the tube off my mag 3 on my remora pro and i had a near diaster when i was at work. Luckily my mom was at my apt. checking on my dog when it happened. Plus there will be heaters in your tank, no place to but carbon, than if u add a phosphate reactor thats another ugly pump hanging in the back of the tank feeding it...u have lots of time, id consider all the possibilites and options before u commit to anything....dont be afraid to customize your tank to your needs and the necessary equipment for your tank will need to be successful.

Dennis