Looking for tank set up guidance

[TheBBW]

hey all.
I am setting up my first SW tank. I have a 70g oceanic tech tank (36wx25tallx18front to back) and a megaflow#2 trickle filter in the stand. I probably will be getting the Outer Orbit 150 MH unit that is three ft wide for lighting. That's when I start to need a little help.
--Can I leave the bio balls in the trickle filter or do I need to replace them with Live Rock?
--I think that I will forgo a canister filter, instead putting a charcoal bag into the trickle filter. OK idea, or terribly misguided?
--Then the protein skimmer. My lfs carries coral life and euroreef skimmers. I was thinking of getting a euroreef or should I go online for an ASM or if I can find one, and octopus. I would prefer to patronize my lfs.
SO please help guide this wide eyed noob though the set up so I can get on to the cycling...