I think it was mostly because i was trying to keep the construction of the tank and stand within a budget, and i didnt have the tools or experience to drill my tank for bulkheads. Plus i've heard all the horror stories that come from not quarantining corals and livestock. I will definitely be doing a sump/refugium when I setup a permanent tank. I'll have to take some more pictures and post them in my tank journal thread
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=31874