some updates:
due to reasons beyond my control...uhum....(wife) my tank has shrunk from 300G to ...250Gal
that's okay.
Final dimensions are 72" x 28" x 28" and I have started to purchase some equipment. I went with a Tunze 1073.110 return pump and a SWC 230 cone skimmer, I did a significant amount of research on the pump and skimmer and those 'seem' to be among the best rated for efficiency and quiet operation.
I REALLY like the MRC 48" bio sump...but they are north of $1K just for the sump. I have a design in mind so I think I will include the sump build in with the tank build when I RFP.
Definitely Euro-braced for the DT and I think I will go with the SB F series V2 lighting fixture, I have seen one in action and done some net review hunting and they do seem to be reliable and popular.
I want a SSB (around 2") with about 1mm size aragonite, and I am trying to get some Tropic Eden Reef sand but..wow what a nightmare! NO ONE in Canada sells the stuff and it appears to me, from my research that there is only one place in the US that does as well. Which reminds me, I have contacted said US supplier who is willing to put in a large bulk order IF...IF I do the customs work. We will see how that progresses, if not I might just use the available stuff (dry). But I really love the look of the Tropic Eden stuff.
Finally..I will be on the hunt for 250Lbs of dry rock! More to come....