Thanks for the input. I know a 10G is going to be harder to maintain because its smaller but I cant afford to buy all the stuff for the 55G and I figure if I can handle a 10G then I can handle a 55g next year or sooner. I am prepared for the extra work I will need to do for maintenance. I know I will have to do weekly-biweekly changes of about 2G each time and top off with RO water but how often do I top it off? Does that need to be done daily?

I have a whisper 20 that was on my 20g long that I was planning on using for this setup. I dont know if its big enough to use as a refugium or even how to set one up lol. Time for some more research. The only other HOB I have that I can use is a Whisper 3 and its huge and on my 55G. It may be too big.

I havent looked into protien skimmers yet but that no big deal since so far all I have to buy is water and LR. I read somewhere that you dont use the protien skimmer till after it's cycled so I have plenty of time to get one.

Also I have a top-light that holds a florencent bulb and two screw in bulbs facing each other. Its the width of my 10G and covers all but 1-1.5 inches of the back, just enough room for my HOB and wires. Would that work for a reef system if I decide to do that in the future? Maybe I just need to post a pick if you dont know what I am talking about.