I would suggest that you don't test 1-2 times a day. You will go through test kits like mad. Second, the biggest mistake people make is to rush their set ups. 4-6 weeks should be fine, as you are using previously cycled rock you might be ok to start slowly in a couple more weeks. What type of livestock are you planning to have?? As for skimmer, it's a good idea anytime you have a tank with livestock. As for inexpensive, that is relevant on what you want to spend, Under $100 or under $400?? Maybe see if there are some members that are getting rid of a skimmer, a good used one that works well is better than a shiny new one that doesn't. As for putting in a small Clean Up Crew, I would say, wait until there is something for them to really clean up. I currently run a 27g bowfront and didn't put anything to clean tank until after I had added a couple of fish. I used all live rock from my other tanks and the water cycled to my satisfaction after about a month. If you want it to cycle faster I would put a couple of small Yellow Tail Blue Damsels in. Colourful and nice to look at. For your ph issues, do you check your calcium? You may be low on calcium. What type of salt are you using?? As for water preporation, I have always pre-made mine in a bucket with a heater and pump in it, both in fresh{for top ups} and my salt mix. I go through fresh quite quickly as I am topping 3 tanks, but I have had salt mix made up for a week and had no adverse affects. You say you are in no rush for corals and fish but what type are you planning on keeping? All this is going to determine how fast you can put things in. I threw a couple of mushroom rocks in at one month and they are doing great. One more question, are you going to be dosing??
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