1 - there is no reason to add Laterite under AS. ADA actually makes another product called Power Sand for this reason, but if you are dosing your water column following EI - you will not need it.

2 - Not sure about your Eheim, but I use 2x Rena XP3's - with a reactor plumbed into the outline of one of them. Works great.

3 - Not sure, but I -HEART- my reactor

4 - I am not familiar with Purigen, but my guess would be that this is fine

5 - -----

6 - That is an awesome light. You will be very happy with it.

7 - Dunno, never used the stuff, but I am sure Google could help you if you don't hear from anyone here...

Welcome back to the hobby! Tom has a good forum going here, but you don't get as much attention as you would posting on: The Planted Tank Forum - Powered by vBulletin