ill never be the guy who doesn't hesitate to ask the questions. LFS - gees. :-D

my first question is what items will be absolute necessary to get this started with the tank and stand taken care of?

-substrate: live sand, aragonite sand, crushed coral...dolomite? i also read about a bare floor with a sponge or padding of some sort.. what gives with this?

I have been told that my eheim and powerhead can be used but best bet is to get other components for filtration and circulation.

- protein skimmer: venturi skimmers are better than air driven skimmers for daily care and are more effective..?

- lighting: what is the best solution for a long term 55 gallon reef tank? I also have a custom hood that hid my original stock fixtures but with the ballast and Mh lights, how hot do they get? Not as cool as fluorescence obviously. And is there such a thing as too much light or watts per inch? for inverts, fish, or anything in a coral environment. Are there high output fluorescents that can give adequate light to maintain the tank?

- marine salt: avoid ones with phosphate and nitrate.. is one brand better than any other? instant ocean was mentioned in this thread, reef crystals or coral life..

these are just off the top of my head. I have only been able to put in a few hours of research and countless day dreams of marine life in my house.

all help is appreciated in advance.

ps. if you would rather post a thread or link than answer these basic questions, no worries. in fact, throw the whole kitchen sink at me. I am so jazzed about this, the more info the merrier.