Frustrated Newbie - Where are the Product reviews??

[Norstar]

I am in the process of planning my first reef tank. I have been out of the hobby for about 20 years (where has the time gone...). Holy smokes, how things have changed!!! Now that I am married, I only have one crack at getting the proper equipment I need. You know, buying a $500.00 skimmer, only to find out that it's the wrong one (you married guys know what I'm talking about - ).

Here is my dilema. I am being bombarded with a bunch of brand names that don't necesarilly mean anything to me . I am looking at all the manufacturer's web sites, and gathering as much information as possible from a variety of sources. However, a lot of the info I'm seeing, seems to be glossed over. If so and so manufactures a wignut, I nice to know if it's really a piece of junk or not.

For example, I would love to buy a Euro Reef RC 500 skimmer, but would a Euro Reef RS 250 be just as good?

My new tank will be a Seastar 350 gal.- 90 x 32 x 30

So here is what I think I need so far:

Sump: 100 gal or more
RO/DI: Aquasafe 100 gpd
Skimmer: Euro Reef RS 250 or RC 500
Lighting: 4 @ Hamilton DE Pendants 400w MH
Marine Tech Calcium Reactor
Reefflow Dart Pump

I don't want to drive a Cadillac, but a Chevy or Chrysler 300 C would be nice.

Any ideas where I can get some honest opinions about what I need, and some non-glossy info about the products?

Thanks!

Camille (Norstar)