Tank Equipment

Ok, I have been trying to be creative, solve questions I have had by reading posts, posts and more posts. I will just come out and ask the question: I am new to the hobby and have not bought any equipment except a used Oceanic tank. Could someone recommend the equipment I will need to get a reef tank up and running.
I have: 40g reef ready Oceanic (cube or close to it)
Rio 2100 return pump
Floresant light set up (I know this needs to change)

I want: A sump set up (what size?) Also, a little about the configeration
What type and size of skimmer (affordable please!)
I am building the stand and hood (I am pretty good at this)
it will be 24" wide, by 24" deep, 30 inches high to the tank
Powerheads for the tank
Lights
etc..?
I plan to buy:
approximately 80lbs of live rock with 40lbs of live sand from
Tampabay Saltwater "the package"
Clownfish, a small Tang, gobies/blennies (any advice on fish would be
awesome as well)
I really am looking for some advice so I don't waist money. I have read multiple posts here and everyone is extremely knowlegable and I sincerly look forward to your advice.

 

There are many fish you could get that would be great for a 40g. A tang is a bit large for your tank. Here's a good link that is very informative on fish & different care requirements.

Aquarium Fish: Tropical Freshwater Fish and Saltwater Fish for Home Aquariums I would start by looking at some nano fish & 'fish for beginners'.

 

Seano, thanks for responding. The GPH on the Rio 2100? I don't know. I read somewhere on posts that the distance from the DT reduces the GPH. So I am unsure about this.
Are LED's extremely expensive for a tank my size?
"The Package" is a deal they make on Tampabay Saltwater site: Live Rock - Tampa Bay Saltwater Aquacultured Live Rock - The Package. I only said 80 pounds of LR because that's what they suggest in that deal.
I would really like to get a 20L somehow. I sent a PM (I think) to see if I could change to footprint to accomodate one. Thank you for the link and all the advise.

 

Seano gave you great suggestions.

The package is a start up package of live rock, real live sand and clean up crew. Pretty comprehensive if done right. All sent in a way that should match your cycle.

 

Thank you 2 in 10. "The Package" sounds like a cool idea.

 

Yes the suggested rating for a proper return pump is about 10x turnover...meaning if your tank is a 40g, then at however many feet head(distance a pump has to pump water upward)you will want 400gph. So, 400gph at 2.5'(+ height of tank).

 

WOW, I just had flashbacks of high school algebra. And I am a high school principal. That is beyond me. It seems pretty darn powerful but I could be wrong.

 

haha. Sorry if this is a bit much for you.

This would be a better size pump. the Taam Rio+ 2500 UL. While it is rated for UP-TO 782GPH, you won't get that out of it unless your pump is at the same height at your tank.

At 4.5' - 5' head(which is how much you will have) you wil get just the amount of turnover you will want. A little over 400gph. You could adjust the output with a ball valve if this is too much. This pump is $56 at Marine Depot.

Taam Rio (Rio+) Powerhead/Pump Details