Brand new to marine

[ffmedic699]

Hello. I recently had a catastrophic power failure while on vacation. Everyone knows what happened next. I had a 6 year old brackish tank with 2 large bumble bee cichlids that were also 6 years old. I did brackish because I was afraid of salt. Well i think I'm ready to enter the marine world.
Keep in mind I am brand new to salt water and I am just throwing some things out here after researching saltwater for the past two nights. I am hoping for input from some seasoned people.
I have a 55 gal tall glass. totally cleaned with vinegar and baking soda and now ready to go. I would love to eventually end up with a reef tank.
Question 1: Being brand new to salt water, should I start with a FO or a FOWLR tank if I want to eventually end up with a reef tank? (keep in mind I am extremely patient and because of funds, I know reef will take some time an I am in no hurry. I would like to start slow, learn, then start building.)
I was also thinking of starting out with a ViaAqua Multi-skimmer Delux with 5w UV steralizer, built in protein skimmer and mechanical filtration, 1 or 2 intank power heads and my left over Fluval Canister (unknown what model right now but its the size for my tank).
Question 2: What is the best media to use for saltwater and what order do they go in? (Its a 3 stage filter.)
Question 3: Because I eventually want a reef tank, I was thinking of going with live sand as substrate. I will use cleaning crews to take care of the sand along with vacuuming. Good, Bad?
Question 4: I have no idea about lighting. Please help.
I have read the thread about the 101 tips to start a salt water aquarium and these are the questions i still have after reading the mentioned thread. Sorry it is so long and hopefully these are not dumb questions. I have researched myself out and need some help understanding.
Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[ffmedic699]

I would just like to add that I have read every thread on this forum about starting a salt water tank. I know these questions are repetitive and you all probably see them every day but I am looking to make sure i do this right the first time.
Thanks again

 

[flower]

WELCOME..
If you want a reef...start as a reef. The fish would be totally different for a fish only compared to reef safe.
You don't have to add coral right away. Get the best lights you can afford, it will save you money in the long run. Until you get coral, use the lights you already have for now and save for the better one.
Do get your rock and live sand. any fish you add just make sure they are reef safe. take it as slow as you like...enjoy.
On the filter do it just like you always have...but when you service and clean it...rinse the pads in saltwater, swish them a bit and put them back in. Don't rinse in freshwater, it kills the good bacteria.

 

[markw]

Read The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner. It has almost everything you would need to know and then some. And stay with this forum. You will learn EVERYTHING on this forum. Its insanely good.
Mark

 

[bulldog123]

MH is the best lighting and t-5s are second. IMO dont use PC. Use sand but live sand is a waste of money and DO NOT vacume. And I know nothing about canister filters. I have a fluval 205 and 405 and dont use either I would suggest a sump/fuge. Anything else ask away. JMO