new to the hobby need help picking equipment.

[divewsharks]

Don't empty the tank, just add the rock once you get it. Don't be surprised if you have another small cycle from the dry rock as there could be stuff inside of it that needs to finish the decomposition process. Don't do a water change either, just let it continue.
The LR you are getting, is it from a friends tank or something? If it is rock that has critters living on/in it, i would put that in the display tank next to the dead rock to help spread some of that life. if you want some rock in your sump, put some of the dead rock down there.
Eheims are expensive, but they last forever. I've heard Mag's can be loud (i've never used one, so can't really comment from experience). Remember you can always look for used stuff too.

hth

 

[AZDesertRat]

Eheim and Ocean Runner are both very good respected names. Mag's not only run hot they also use much more power to pump the same amount of water and as mentioned they are loud. They also have problems with screws rusting out over time.