Advice for a newbie...here is my setup so far

[mseepman]

First, welcome to the hobby! Secondly...there are some garbage cans that you can use...the big grey Brute containers are recognized for being safe, and easy to get at home depot.

As far as a calcium reactor, I wouldn't start off that route...I would investigate some simple 2 part dosing....can be very cost effective and easier to manage IMO. Once you start getting that reef going, you will have to watch your calcium and alk usage and then decide if you want to dose or go the reactor route.