Additives question

[coolhandgoose]

I'm feeling very overwhelmed with all the products out there. I really want to have a go at making a nice reef for myself, mostly lps, but confused by all the products.

I'm going to stick to a water change regiment but wanted to open the floor to find out what others are doing. I looked through TOTM threads and everyone does something different! I know there's no magic bullet to successful reefing but I need advice on what I can do better.

Right now using active carbon in a mesh bag, skimming, water changes and dosing for mg ca and alk. That's it.

What are people using for other additives?
The whole zeovit system won't work for me since I'm often gone 4 days at a time and need the tank to be mostly on autopilot.