180 gallon set up help

[richierich2000]

I am helping a friend set up his 180 gallon tank he has some large angles and puffers in there plus some live /base rock. my question is what equipment does he need to have a nice user friendly set up? I have a sps tank and know what I need to keep it but I know you don't need near as much stuff for fish only. do you need RO/DI or just RO? I am trying to keep cost down and less complicated.

My idea for bare min. would be
RO water
float valve for sump
good skimmer
filter sock
return pump
heater
lights
fan on temp controller

 

[LauraCline]

Bare minimum for me would be:

RO/DI - if you're going to buy a unit why not get 0 TDS?
excellent skimmer
7 filter socks -1 for each day as puffers are messy
return pump
heater
minimal lighting to prevent excess algae growth
plenty of powerheads for circulation in tank