Uv sterilizer, bottled bacteria the ultimate qt tank

I have worked two fish stores, one saltwater wholesale *****house. I spend a few dollars a week on this hobby, over the years acquired equipment. My pico with a pico sump is my work station. A real qt tank is what my hobby/past time has become. Keeping the cost low, allows me to invest in support for others. In real terms, knowing and gussing can make a real difference. If you can contribute information that can be repeated much would be appreciated. This is a hobby/science where spending hundreds is beyond my means.