Epson r2400 and a couple of questions

Hello

I just bought a used Epson R2400 in great condition. I will be using it more or less only for black and white prints and i was wondering if buying non epson ink would be so bad for print quality?

i currently have ordered this

http://viewitem.eim.ebay.dk/27x-Kompatible-fr-Epson-Stylus-Photo-R2400-R-2400/170625959868/item
Since it seems like such a good deal that i through that i would have to at least try it.

I am new to finearts prints and i am guessing that there quiet a few things i should get familar with before starting printing.  So what i am asking beside if ordering cheaper non OEM ink for black and white prints is acceptable, is what things i really just HAVE to know before starting to print?

Besides my main to questions i would love to know how people solve problems such as cutting white empty paper of the prints, this will be very important to me since i do allot of 1x1 aspect ratio.

Thanks for your time and help

Simon