John I don't know how long the cycle will take using mostly dry base rock wih just a little of the live stuff. When things look "safe" I'll go with a few snails and crabs then the yellow head jawfish so he can settle in and make his little home. Then my false perc.
Scott I'm not planning on a skimmer. I figure doing extra water changes won't be a big deal with this small of a system, plus the eclipse sysem fits all the way around the top with just a small 3" opening in the back and I may need to add a small fan there to keep the temp down.
The eclipse top is pretty functional. The pump sets at one end, pumps the water through a small 3"x7" "sump" area where a polyfilter or carbon bag can be added. After the sump is another smaller "sump" area where the bio wheel would go then water drops back down into the tank.
Please keep this thread updated as you progress with your new tank. Pics of new inhabitants, different aquascaping or whatever. I am very curious as to how it will look.