I live in the Houston area and run (2) 250Watt Metal Halide lamps. If you live up North, you may be luckier. I do not think people really monitor water temperature as closely as they should. I think it would surprise a lot of people how much it can fluctuate over a 24 hour period.
Quality live rock is a good start. This will become your primary filtration system.
Excellent water flow insures a healthy tank. I recommend two sump pumps (Eheims are expensive but are worth every penny) in case one fails. Two heaters for the same reason. I recommend a controller so you can...
If you can not remove something without the sump or the tank draining all over your floor, then you will need some way to shut off the water to that piece of equipment to service it.
I use a trash can for tank moving and servicing. I place all the rock and water in the trash can (only used for this and water changes). Fish and coral in buckets with air.
Yeah, you definitely have to give some thought to servicing a protein skimmer, calcium reactor, or sump in case of a failure or just general maintenance. Gate valves seem to be more reliable if you exercise them and service them.
Main reason for a sump IMO. To prevent bubbles from entering the main display tank. Most of us use sponge barriers between the protein skimmer outlet and the return pump(s).
Yeah, canister filters become more of a problem then a solution due to the quick saturation of the carbon media. Good flow with healthy live rock and a quality protein skimmer that also provides good aeration is the ticket.
Welcome. Algae is caused by excessive phosphates. An RO system will go a long way in preventing blooms when water changes are done on a consistent basis.