[greyreef]

Good plans!
I would just add a small raw shrimp, fresh from the grocery store
Would start to cycle your tank, just leave it in for at least aweek, see if its turning to mush and measure your parameters
Better to pull it out with some left
After 1-2 weeks, can add CUC
I prefer cerith snails, but if your having a FOWLR tank, might need nassarius as well
I dont like crabs (personal opinion)
Hahaha!

 

[greyreef]

Dont know what your water is like an sioux city, but that is critical for success of a saltwater tank...
Gonna use water from your lfs?
Consider starting by buying a cheap tds handheld meter...
Great device that will be a check for all the water you introduce into your tank, try to ensure close to 0 tds
The devices I use most are
1 refractometer
2 tds meter
3 pH meter

 

[greyreef]

And as far as your circulation pump is concerned...
Dont worry about it!!
I remember wondering about that too before I started...
Its actually fun to try to direct flow around your tank, get detritus to settle or not, keep sand bed intact
Youll figure it out

 

[greyreef]

And...
Welcome to TRT!!

 

[greyreef]

Yeah, distilled water IMO is just as good as rodi stuff, its usually more expensive and not worth the extra cost, but if thats more convenient to you...
Improtant to reduce your chance of phosphate and other nutients entering your system in high quantities feeding your algae

Small tank,probably not worth your while setting up your own rodi unit
Better to buy
Spend a few bucks a month for your water is not that bad

Maybe get that tds meter to test it out...
If you dont trust your source

 

[greyreef]

Distilled should have 0 tds for sure
rodi only if all the filters are working properly

 

[greyreef]

How long have you been doing it?
Is your cleaning good, no algae?
Might be time to extend if everyything is perfect and its been 6-9 months in

 

[greyreef]

Good Ashley!
Let us know (with pics) how it goes