prime is the only way to go, not to mention a little prime goes farther than the other options.
As far as the hose, you could just get the shorter kit, go over to your local hardware store and buy some hose clamps and however much of the same diameter hose and probably save a decent amount of $$$
As far as the hose, you could just get the shorter kit, go over to your local hardware store and buy some hose clamps and however much of the same diameter hose and probably save a decent amount of $$$

wut do u think i shud set up ive got this 55 i a gonna get going