there are a few things that are important in keeping sps. cal over 400 alk 8-10 stable temp low phos 0 nitrates.also good water flow if your water quality is good your lighting ect is fine.also get rid of the uv dont use one on a reef .
I can't say I agree on the UV..I think that is a matter of choice. I choose not to use one as they kill bad as well as good bacteria. If you've had it on there for a while it won't make too much of a difference if you leave it or take it off. At best - it will fee up a spare plug that you could use for another powerhead
You might want to start with a cap..they are fairly easy are usually available on the for sale thread.
when you do enough research...then you'll know
knowing what you need and what you dont need.
we are all here to help you if you really want to go that route..
0 phosphate and 0 nitrate is not right at all. They should be undetectable or slightly visible on a good test kit. The fact of the matter is that under 0 nitrate and 0 phosphate SPS will waste and die. Both compounds are necessary for biological processes in minute doses and there are symptoms for each if deprived.
Do yourself a favor and get a different skimmer before it is too late. They are one of your most important pieces of equipment and skimping on it will only cost you more in the end.
25 Watts of UV is a lot for a 54 even in a mediocre model. I personally like UV sterilizers in reefs tanks. At the right zap dosage it will eliminate parasites which in a reef tank can spell the end if you have fish you like since only a handful of meds can be used and of those even fewer really work.
Like Kathy said, if you have done your research and think you are ready, try a montipora. They are incredibly tolerable of sub par parameters especially if you start with cultured corals, stay away from wild for the time being. Cultured corals are far more resilient in general and thus easier to care for. I would also recommend a Monti Cap or Digitata to start.