oldie but newbie, pls update me!!!

Thanks Dowtish and Sushigirl for the fleshed out post....
I'm on the hunt for that Bio-pellet thread...if I can't find it will you mind the pm for the link?

 

Welcome to 3Reef Ken!!! Here ya go. Here's one of the threads. http://www.3reef.com/forums/warner-marine/official-ecobak-thread-103809.html

EDIT: Here's one of the other ones. http://www.3reef.com/forums/water-chemistry/carbon-dosing-head-head-107232.html

 

If you plan on running biopellets, you'll want, or rather NEED a good skimmer. It's essential to the process... I've run the WM Ecobak pellets for 10 months or so, and couldn't be happier... zero nitrates since about the 3 month mark for me... I don't use them in a reactor, just hang a bag of them in my overflow...

I have a reef octopus skimmer that I paid around $300 for and it's worth every penny. I would not go with the older skimmers as they just don't do the same job.

The suggestions above are good regarding T5's and bulb selection. You'll have more than enough light for softies with a four bulb fixture. I'm growing SPS very nicely under my six bulb, and with the advancements in the hobby, you may consider growing SPS now that it is not as difficult as it once was... (see my thread link)

Anyway, welcome to 3reef, and welcome back to the hobby! It'll be very interesting to see what you come up with!