Welcome!
I agree with @jgravert-- there’s not really much feedback we can give you yet except to say that everything you describe is possible one way or another. 
There’s a lot of information in the forum, but unfortunately the search sucks. 
So you might want to take a look at the quick browse lists in the community – created wiki. Aming other things, in the project reports section there’s a “get started” list with a lot of interesting topics that may help answer some of your questions. There’s also a list there for “animals” which includes aquarium projects if you’re curious about what other people have done. 
As far as a garage controller that isn’t using MyQ, The linear/go control Z wave device is very popular. And officially supported. 
It’s sold under multiple brand names, but it’s all the same device, just in a different box. It also includes a tilt sensor so the device can report both “opening” and “closing” as well as “open” and “closed.”
Typically lists for around $90, but you can often find it a little bit cheaper if you shop around. Right now Amazon has it at the lowest price, but sometimes it’s less expensive at Home Depot or Best Buy.
https://www.smartthings.com/products/linear-gocontrol-garage-door-opener
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M75TEIU
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