Hey! I started into this hobby a few months ago, and it's definitely a huge learning curve. This website will teach you more than any book or LFS ever will!
One thing: I spent $400 on live rock, and since that time, I've seen members online here selling theirs for a fraction of the price! Already cured! *sigh* I think you should be patient in acquiring the live rock, because you will then have more money to spend on better lighting and a better skimmer (as everyone has advised already).
Two things I feel I want to add:
1) If you don't go with a sump, think about some auto top-off system. You're right about the crazy evaporation here in Calgary. Check out this site (
http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html) for a seemingly easy DIY system.
2) Factor in the costs of things like: calcium, iodine, strontium, micro-plankton, etc.
Good luck! And remember...everyone has their own way of doing things, and you'll hear 10 different versions of the "best way"! Figure out what works for you and go with it. And let us know how it goes
