A couple things to keep in mind when looking at the pics: I plan on putting two Hydor Rotating Water Deflectors on the two holes in the false wall which will run off a Y'd return pump. I'm also leaning toward putting a Hydor Koralia-2 on the right side of the tank about midway down the false wall.
I used to use pool and spa rotating returns, Im sure those are alot cheaper while acomplishing the same goal...Personally Id go with a larger return pump and some extra lock-line outlets...
For lighting I really like the Clip-on Coralife Aqualight Advanced that looks kind of like a desk lamp. While I'm not a big fan of Coralife products this seems to be a better option than the JBJ equivalent. I plan on running a 20,000k 150W HQI. I'd also like to put a Tunze 9002 Nano DOC Protein Skimmer in the back compartment.
I'd personally use a generic HQI reclector with a fan keeping the canopy cool...
My main questions are:
1) What would you recommend for a return pump? (assuming the tank will be a mixed softie, LPS, and low light demanding SPS)
Depending how much flow you want and if your gona have some lock-line outlets as well, a mag7 or mag9 should do the trick for return only, if you want lots of outlets and are gona have some head issues and complicated plumbing go for a mag12. If you want inline quality pumps thats another story...After looking at the drawings Im guessing you using the back as the sump, if thats the case, a mag7 should be plenty, lots of lock-line...go with a mag9, you can always turn it down if need be...
2) Anyone with any experience with the Tunze Nano skimmer know what kind of water depth I need to run the back compartment at?
Never used em...
3) Any suggestions on a better way to lay out the back compartments? (I plan on stacking some foam and ChemiPure in the overflow section)
ChemiPure/Carbon/and some other medias are great to have a spot for, foam will need to be cleaned on a very regular basis, better off to just get a roll of dual density filter media and replace it once a week...you can use egg crate and zap straps to section off compartments...
4) Any concerns with the tank design? I was thinking 3/8" glass but I'm not sure what the requirements are for a tank like this that is fairly wide with a reasonable height and no frame or brace (I intend to have SeaStar build the tank)
3/8" with euro bracing should be dandy, since your asking...I like black silicone...
Sorry about the stupidly long post!
