After doing alot of research and deciding on FW/SW, I decided to build a reef tank progressively slow, starting off with a fish with live rock. I have a 105 gal reef tank that was built in a home. A few questions I have.

1. I am assuming I would prefer a more coarse grade for a DSB or a fine bed with less thickness. (LFS recommendation is reef grade)

2. Several LFS recommended to start off with limestone as a baserock (cut costs). Can you share your experience?

3. Also if limestone is not a good base, I'm in Houston, so are their any good places to get porous rock (for SW) out here?

4. Since I'm going to take about 6-8 months with soft corals, do I have to start off with MH's?

5. I don't have alot of cabinet space (about 24x48x16) in my cabinet next to my sump (Oceanic Trickle Filter 75 /approx. 20gal tank). So are there skimmers that can fit the restrictions that I have?

Thanks.