Some Feedback on My Tank Design Please

Originally Posted by Canadian

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!

Dont worry bout it, its the long stupid posts that ya gota worry about.....