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thinking of starting a SW tank with a 20L with the eclipse system.

how much do you guys think it will cost me, minus the price of fish?

I plan on getting that live sand stuff, and I can get some live rock.

is the stock lighting that comes with this system enough? (I think its like 5500k with 2 17w bulbs)

also, with cycling the tank, how long will it take with the addition of live rock? Do i add fish with the live rock to produce ammonia?

What are your goals for this tank?

Since it seems you are new to this, I'd suggest you start with a fish only with live rock (FOWLR) system, instead of a reef system. The eclipse will be fine for that, but since it sounds like you are on a budget, I'd suggest you build from the ground up. Get a 20g glass tank, sand (don't need live sand, get something like aragonite), submersible heater, salt, hydrometer (preferably refractometer), and a couple powerheads (I suggest the korallia 1 for your purpose). This will be your first shopping trip. A glass hood and striplight would be optional. It would cut down on evaporation and heat probably won't be an issue without much light.

Get the sand rinsed, toss everything in and get the salinity where you want it and mixed for a couple days at least with your powerhead.

Your next purchase will be LR, in a 20g you'll want about 20 or so pounds. Best to just get it all at once. I you keep adding LR the cycle will just keep going until the rock sits without new additions for a few weeks. So dump in the live rock, and give it a few weeks before you do anything except top up for evaporation. After 3ish weeks test the water for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. If you read 0, 0, 0-5, and 8.3ish you can go ahead and get your clean up crew, snails... serpent stars.. etc. give that a week or so to establish, test again and if reading the same as above or better, you might be ready for your first fish.

I'd be prepared to spend anywhere from 3-500 dollars. During all the waiting periods you should be reading up on everything you can.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

well, i have all of the tanks, and heaters and stuff, i just need sand, fish, and live rock

thanks for the steps to setting it up though, i wasnt sure how to cycle with the live rock

also, what about the powerhead that is already on the tank? I assume that isnt good enough?

im just looking for some clown fish, and some firefish really

if you are talking about the filter that comes with the eclipse tanks, then that won't really be enough IMO. I'd get some more water movement in the tank. IMO good water movement is looked over by many people, but is very important to efficient filtration by live rock. Think 10 times turnover as a minimum. At least 200 gph, with 4-500 being better.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

cool, so i would just need one of those powerh eads you suggested.. some sand and live rock, cycle the tank, and i can add some fish.. correct?

does the live rock need special lighting?

I assume my lighting isnt enough to put other stuff in?

Lr does not need special lighting. I usually suggest LR and a skimmer but on that size tank just LR and a PH and frequent PWC`s would cut the mustard IMO.Good luck on your tank and dont rush things.