Newby Needs some help and Advice

[ShaggyNichols]

First time poster, first time saltwater tank. I have done a lot of research but still desire some advice.
First off I spent 8 years in the Marine Corps and owning fish tanks didn't really work for that lifestyle so I sold my first tank before my first year and first deployment. I just bought a house and I plan to be here for a long time.

I want to have a easy setup at first so I can gracefully get into this hobby. I also am going to jump in a little more aggressively just because I really think I am going to love it. Saving money where I can would be great. I plan to set this tank up for the first time as a in wall tank from start and have a pour man fish room. If possible I dont like buying things twice so making smart purchases I like.

Here is my setup (bought the entire setup off a friend for 200 bucks):
90 gallon (drilled 2 holes on the bottom)
Oak Stand with canopy
24" by 10" acrylic sump
pump (don't know what brand)
Glass lids
Older florescent 48" light

What I know:
I think I want to start off with a FOWLR tank. I love the Lion-fish but don't know if they are going to fall into the "easy to manage" category?
I have a sump but is it big enough? It was being used for fresh water so what do you recommend to change/buy so it is optimal for saltwater?
From what I hear I need a protein skimmer, what is the best for the 90 gallon? I am pretty sure I want to do a In sump version.
Also need a heater, my friends stated the one he had was acting weird. Which ones do you recommend?
It has a black plastic thing on the back of the tank. I dont recall seeing this on any other tank. Is this just because this tank is from 2004?
Do I need an RO/DI systems considering I am doing a FOWLR?
I have a well, does that help me or hurt? Do I need to test my water for anything in particular?
He also gave me black sand that was setup with fresh water. the sand looks just like what I was going to get for mine. is there anyway I can still use it?
I have heard a lot about buying live rock off craigslist and different quantity. What should I look for? I have read 1 lbs per gallon, Is this true?
I am building a cheesy tank room. I know this seem a little aggressive but the space is just perfect for it. I will post a picture if you guys want to see. The back side of the wall I want to place it in is an unfinished room in my basement will easy water access and drain access. What should I consider with while I build that out?

attached are all the pictures of my equipment.

I know I have a lot of questions and I am so sorry for the long post but any advise would be great. Thank in advance guys.

 

[twilliard]

Welcome to the R2R community!
First things first, an rodi system check out the ones here
http://spectrapure.com/Refurbished-90-GPD-RODI-System

Give the tank a good cleaning (hope no meds were used like copper)
What you see in the back of the tank is your overflow with the tank being fed from that mag7 pump.
The sump is a wet/dry system. May want to look into a sump with Baffles for the typical skimmer, fuge, return sections.
Biggest thing is to get it all set up filled with water and check for functionality and leaks
Once it is all set up running smoothly then empty it and start the journey into saltwater

 

[JPergamo]

The best simple advice I can give to any new hobbyist is read as much as possible on the forums and watch as much youtube as you can. Absorb as much info as possible and don't stop. That's half the fun of the hobby, you never stop learning. I agree first step would be to invest in a nice sump, as big as can functionally fit with enough room to work above it, this will save headaches later. I made a diy sump out of a 75 gallon and it is not hard to do if you want to go that route. Then fill everything and test plumbing. A benificial note on plumbing also that I wish I learned a long time ago, if you invest in a good return pump, you can build a manifold off of it to power other things in the future. It is very simple to do and saves a lot of mess and power from not using multiple pumps. Sorry for the long response, dont be afraid to ask..good luck!

 

[jsker]

Welcome, R2R is a great community of reefer and these reefer are more than willing to help. I have been reefing for some time and I still always have questions. Besides what was stated above, find a local reef club and see some of the products that those guys are using in there systems. This is an expensive hobby, budget, budget, then try to stay within your budget. I look forward to seeing you build in the future.

 

[p.pep85]

one thing no one mentioned is i would stay away from the lion fish at first you need to feed them live food wile you ween them into frozen food other then that there great fish. your also going to want a quarintne tank.