IMO live rock in a tank plumbed into your main system is entirely optional. It might be beneficial, however, in case one of the clams decides it likes partial shade or whatnot.
For MH spectrum, I don't have much of an opinion, but I tend to like higher ratings. The higher you go, the easier you can forego actinic supplementation and not have it look hideous with halides only.
For a standard 30, I would probably still use at least a 250W bulb. Others with more experience may have other opinions.
Sand bed, fine grain aragonite. Sugar fine probably works well, too, but I'd be concerned that any disruption would kick a little bit up and it could get all over the clams and be an irritant. Depth? A couple inches, maybe. Any more and it becomes more work to maintain.
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