Advice on LR/DSB/Refugia etc.

[Fischer's Angel]

Hello everyone!
I have recently decided to take up fishkeeping again after a 5 year break from the hobby. I previously had good success using the traditional wet dry/venturi skimmer approach.
I see that new techniques are now in vogue involving L/R,DSB and refugiums which allow for better overall water quality.
I would like to try this new set up and would greatly appreciate some help in selecting the proper equipment I will need to succeed.
Due to space and weight limitations I am going with the standard 55 gallon acrylic tank (48" x 20" x 13") and a 30 gallon sump/refugium with DSB and macroalgae for nutrient removal.
The questions I have are as follows:
1) How deep should the DSB in the sump be and what size sand grains are ideal - fine like sugar,or coarser grade?
2) Can I use Caulerpa Racemosa for my nutrient export as it is the only species I can procure (Macroalgae cannot be imported into Hawaii, so I have to collect my own,and I am unable to locate any other Caulerpa species thus far)
3) What sort of light system will be required to grow the Caulerpa and of what duration? Will I need to add any trace elements to keep it thriving,or will it get enough from the fish wastes and water change additions? Will I need to prune the Caulerpa periodically to keep it from crashing,and if so how often?
4) I am planning to get an Aqua C pro urchin skimmer for the sump, do you think this will be my best choice?
5) I plan to use Hydor Koralia power heads for circulation - what size and how many do you recommend for good chaotic water circulation?
6) Would two 48" T-5 daylight bulbs be adequate to ensure good coralline algae growth in my 20" deep aquarium - if so what specific brand and model lighting system would you recommend?
7) Do I need to add kalkwasser for the coralline algae to thrive, and what should the photoperiod be?
After the tank cycles I am planning to add 1 pair of Banded Coral Shrimps and perhaps a half dozen or so small hermit crabs to start up my system - fish will not be added for at least one year to allow the L/R and the DSB to get firmly established.
Thanks all for your help and advice!

 

[Neptune420]

1. I think at least 5" is considered dsb I would use coarse aragonite based substrate.
2. You can use just about any kind of caulerpa, but I would use something lower maintainance like gracilaria. Its easy to culture and its great food for tangs, angels ect. You should check out IPSF.com they are located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. They have all kinds of macro algaes and micro inverts.
3. I would use pc or t5 probably 65k maybe 50-100w? Put it on a reverse photo period from your display.
4. Aqua C skimmers are awsome, very low mainainance, and for the size tank you have I would say a perfect choice. You can also get the hangon remora version and hang it on your sump thats what I did.
5. I'd say just a couple of 150gph powerheads, you could also put a spray bar on your return.
6. I would go with 3 or 4, but with sufficient calcium you should getr some results with just 2.
7. I would definately use kalk if your planning a reef tank,or you could just regularly add calcium supplements. I'v had good luck with araga milk. Good call on waiting for the fish although I don't think I'd be able to wait a year.