Now I am unsure if I will remove the rim on this tank. It is made of 3/8" glass and is pretty new. Anyone have an opinion on this?

Oh and here is the tank almost all cleaned up!
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/pic...pictureid=5509

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/pic...pictureid=5508

I'd remove the trim. Over time it will collect salt and crust, which will detract from the top down design.

I agree, plus it just looks better.

Well I'm convinced! I'll take the trim off tonight!

When taking the trim off be careful in the corners. I've cracked a few tanks tanking it off. Just make sure to loosen it well and take your time.

Ok so time for an update!

I have git a skimmer, a bubble magus qq. I think it will work great for my setup.

I am still searching for a return pump!

Trim is off and tank has been cleaned up!

I am at a delema for how to setup the drain. I think I may do a corner overflow. But I don't really want to put a hole in the bottom of the tank. Prefereably in the back of it. Any suggestions?

Also the return will be over the back of the tank. This is do that I can use this for flow in the system and allow for easy control over direction.

I've got a bubble magus 3.5+ skimmer that i was using on my seahorse biocube. if you wanted something with a little more juice.

Okay So here is a little update.

I made the stand out of eastern maple trimmed with yellow cedar and mahogany.

Here is the frame being made
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/pic...pictureid=5529

Here is the overflow. It is a single standpipe (3/4") which may sound a little small, but I have decided to go for a very small return pump so that it does not make the surface to turbulent. The overflow is made of 1/4" frosted acrylic.
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/pic...pictureid=5532

Here is the stand a little closer to completion, with the tank being filled for an overflow test!
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/pic...pictureid=5530

And here is the tank mostly full and starting the cycling process. I have not installed the sump yet because the silicone is still drying. SO for the next couple of days it will be running sump less. I will be running the system with around 40 pounds of live rock, and crushed coral substrate.
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/pic...pictureid=5528

It will be a pretty slow next couple of weeks while the tank cycles. The live rock is over 4 years old, so it is good stuff. But I really want to get the system established. I really think it is important to take the time here or you will always have issues!

Oh and for lighting I went for a LED unit out of Hong Kong. Is a very good unit apparently, I know a couple of people that use them for the last year with great results! It runs 6 violets, 6 green, 4 red, 2 ultra violet, 30 royal blue and 24 white LED's. It is CE and CSA approved as well, so that's always a good piece of mind.

Johnny, where did your ponies go???