About 3/4lb of rock per gallon will be plenty.
Save your money for the lights and the skimmer....do not chince in these areas...the rest has some play.
Regardless of coral type, i would invest in halides....they ALL love it.
As for the skimmer, a recirculating needle wheel or the like are the most stable and consistant skimmers out there. ASM,Euroreef.....or make your own.
Time.....Something that anyones pocket book can handle.
Marc.