Sooo after a long chat with Mike (skimmer king) we've changed our direction a bit...we're going to install a remote sump along side the tank with an in sump skimmer. We don't like the noise of the pump with the external....sooooo the build will be changing but I can't wait...no more heaters in the tank, or hoses of any kind...YAY! And places to put reactors and such. Maybe not the easiest to do at this point but...the build is stalled anyways as our contractor has not come by to start the cap. ARGH...it is just sitting there waiting for our lights but no cap so can't do it.....I don't do well with waiting as it is...but we called him over 6 weeks ago and he was coming by that night....I think he may have gotten lost!
So...on to better stuff now!!
And, HUGE thanks to Mike (skimmer king) for his help and advice. I think we may actually be a lucky group to have someone like him that will purchase and install just about every kind of skimmer....and then sell it a few months later, but be able to give a review on it! LOL! Thanks again Mike!
The sump we're going to use is built. We had it built for a customer but his stand was WAY too short...so I think we're going to use it for this tank....LOTS of room and big refugium room too..it's the one by Melev that was built for a 210g with a refugium......at least I think that's what we'll use...it could change tomorrow if I change my mind....
will update as we go