No skimmer, just do a few water-changes. I like fine sand, but pick something you like, you have to look at it not me.
Few snails and some blue or red leg hermits to start with.
Do some of the Mods, change the main pump to a MJ.
Maybe do the fans. I'm doing it all on my setup.
Two pumps(MJ), fans, and bulkhead.
Two 50/50 bulbs, I like that look.