I think the bottom line is this, I've seen crazy things in this hobby. Things that shouldn't be growing under the light that they are being provided. Tanks that are ignored and florishing. Stuff like that. If your walmart is good then they may have good enough lights for you. Most aren't though. I've found decent ones at my home depot and if you have a town that you can travel to that has a pets mart or similar they are cheaper than shipping light bulbs for that size usually.

The glass over the tank is a personnal preferance but most people will tell you it's a bad idea in the salt business. Most people don't put air stones in their saltwater tanks so it limits the oxygen exchange and also inhibits the lights. I have many fish that are considered jumpers and don't have anything over my tank. I've gotten lucky though cuz I know many have had fish jump to their deaths. If you are concerned with this I would use the eggcreate.

We all tend to spend what we can on our obsession/hobby here. When the bug gets a hold of you extra money is a thing of the past. You do have to find places to save money in this hobby as EVERYTHING is expensive. DIY projects are the best way and to see if you can get in with any local reefing groups. Many people can save you money on corals and other items. Work smarter not harder someone once told me.

It's hard to decide but the best thing for you to do to save money is to decide what your goals are. That will give you the best idea on what kind of money you need to spend on lighting, filters and other items. Just remember, you can get as complicated or as simple as you want. You just have to know what you want out of it so that you make it happen.

Angie