I would agree with the upgrade options. One of the things you need to realize is that this hobby is not forgiving on the pocketbook. Yes, you can always start with lower cost equipment (as I did), but if you're serious about this, it'll actually save you that money spent by getting higher quality items. Look at a heater with a Titanium Body and an Inkbird Controller. Take a look at a Tunze DOC 9004 Skimmer. Also, I wouldn't put ANYTHING in your tank that's venomous. When you tell a kid to not stick their hands in a tank, that's EXACTLY what they're gonna do. Mine did. Hence, nothing went in that was questionable.