I believe I can help. I've been called the "King of Cheap". I know how to keep a lovely marine aquarium for pennies. Of course I'm full of opinions, sometimes referred to as BS.
First of all, lets talk about FOWLR, which, for those that don't know, stands for "Fish Only With Live Rock". That's actually an outdated phrase because much more is known about reefkeeping today than 20 years ago when that phrase was coined. Did you know that about the only things that aren't safe from an Eel are shrimp. That means you can keep an Eel with coral in a reef aquarium. Sometimes Hermits may be at risk, but Snails are usually safe, not prey for an Eel. Depending on size and type of eel, there may be "no worries mate".
Next, your question about play sand is valid. Yes, it can work, but why use non-aragonite sand when Utah Oolitic Aragonite Sand is available for free? Aragonite sand is better because at the bottom it dissolves, adding Alkalinity, Calcium and Magnesium to the water and keeping pH constant. Good aragonite sand is also available here for free if you patiently watch the forum. Yes, I have Utah Sand for $0.50/lb. but I have also posted where to find it, if you don't mind a 2 hour round trip to pick up enough sand to make it worth the gas and mileage. Look at the "Reefkeeping Tips" thread link below.
Many types of coral grow just fine, in fact Coralline Algae grows better than fine if that shop light is fitted with a t8 Actinic/blue tube for one and for the other, a t8 tube normally sold as a freshwater plant light.
IMO, canister filters are obsolete in the reef hobby. The flow from a canister filter is so slow it's pathetic and unless the thing is cleaned weekly, it becomes a Nitrate Factory. On the other hand, we can provide a great environment in a box of water without external equipment. It just needs to be set up properly with LS, LR, Macroalgae and excellent water flow.
Water quality involves a couple things:
- A small media bag of 75% AC and 25% AA can be placed near the powerhead intake or in a small HOB filter for just two weeks a month to help keep water clear and free of toxins;
- Monthly water changes of just 10% keep water quality in line and when the need arises;
- Baking Soda, Ice Melt and Epsom Salt complete the need.
The next time you visit we can talk more about this and I can show how I do it.
Aloha,
Mark 
Hey, please don't let mine be the only reply/comment. There are other hobbyists with other opinions that should be heard.
Edited by Mark Peterson - April 10 2015 at 9:39am
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