Good points !!
To answer a few of these questions now, you are right about the not mentioning of a certain brand or type, as each of us has different experiences and favourites...but both of you are correct about the need for some info on the care sheet, and I am sure Colin is already typing away like mad !
If it is at all possible, using a sumped system is the best way to go...especially with a drilled tank (most dealers will drill two holes for a nominal fee), as that way, you can put on a secure top without resorting to ugly masses of tape, etc, around all of the filter inlets/outlets. Using a sump, you can have all of your equipment handily available for maintenance and not bother the ceph while you are doing water changes, etc.
I use about 1 to 1.5 pounds of live rock per gallon, with some base rock thrown in too...this seems to work out well for most tanks.
Most of us use canister filters of some sort, rather than wetdry units, as the octo puts out an incredible amount of matter into the tank, and physical removal is necessary. Make sure you have at least two filters for the canister, as you will need to change them out frequently. I prefer the Magnum or Lifeguard type of can filter that uses the media that is found in swimming pool/hot tub filters...those white rippled tubes...they catch alot of particulates, can be sterilized, and used over and over for years.
Until we have something up online, feel free to just keep on jotting down questions here...I'm sure a bunch of us will chime in.
greg