xaine

hope to see the turf already started to have more algae on it.

The buffer is to adjust the alkalinity level, but that's hardly used. Buffer solutions are just a quick fix. I guess Iwarna would be far for you, but since you have already started to cycle in your tank stick with the salt mix you have to perform the water change.

depending on your bioload, and if you intend to change water regularly. With sufficient live rocks and other bio media, it might work out for you. Just got to monitor the parameters.

The canister filer you are using is a little undersized. I started off using a 1200l/hr canister filter for my 1st setup and that's about the same size as your current tank. That would create more turnover and flow within a 2ft tank. I used ceramic rings and coralchips, it did served me well then. You could use biohome if you want. With that said, it would be wise to perform maintenance to the canister regularly to prevent builtup of detritus within.

Having heard so much, now I finally get to see it....yeah. Looking forward to see your rockscape.

Depending on budget and if you want a in-tank or hang-on skimmer. The following are also decent along with what's mentioned above - red sea prizm - bm nac qq - reef octopus also has one that is hangon which is pretty good as well. (can't remember the model, BH-XX)

I remember rabbit fish to be herbivore too, can't recall any other off my head.

Tangs and blennies are supposed to be herbivore, yes, they can survive on those only. but given a chance, alot of fishes are omnivorous. I've had tangs that nip on pellets that others eat, maybe it's tasty, so does that count ?

The polyps doesn't seem much, you can just chip that portion away and stick it back when you nuke the rock.

Based on specifications, the XP30 is about 5cm in width and 25cm in height, so if you have that space it would work for you.

What's the pump capacity for this unit ? within your return pump flowrate ? If additional pump needs to drive this, then addition heat might be added.

Those silicon based tubes that you use for CO2 would be better, they don't harden as quickly as the airline tubes do.

gluing or silicon can just fix that since it's a collector cup and not affecting it's performance, not much of a worry. My current skimmer had one cracked at the top as well, and is still running well.

a 1/15 or 1/10 would ok, 10g is definately more than 1ft cube, and there are people using those chillers on 1ft cube tanks.

IOS runs much deeper than EOS and it tends to settle detritus in the long run, but it just takes up part of your main tank space. EOS sticks out like a sore thumb, but if you have additional cabinet space to mask it away it is fine. Alternatively have it behind the tank, but you will also need to move the tank further out. Additional space is the key.