I use API saltwater master kit and I should say they are good (although not very accurate) for beginning a tank. Red seas are the best (and very expensive) but I don't think it is necessary till you keep very delicate livestocks.
I use a mariland 50W heater in my 20long and it always keep smy temperature at 78F. Although 100W is suggested for a 20long, but 50w does the job for me.
For protein skimmer, you can get rio HOB ($40) to reef octopus (~$150). Obviously the more expensive ones is going to be better. But just my personal opinion, I don't think you would need expensive ones because once in a while, you will have to change your water and the water might not have enough debris to be skimmed by the expensive ones. I use rio nano skimmer and is very pleased it with (bang for the buck!).
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