I want to install a sump and refuge in separate tanks

[Proteus]

Providing you have enough rock in DT you will have lots of pods but a fuge is nice. I did what you want to do and the only thing I sugessted is to oversize your overflow from fuge to sump. I had 1.5" bulkheads in mine it worked great

Even if protien skimmer does catch the odd pod a thousand more will pass it.
Though protien skimmers are not necessary in all tanks

[turbo]

I think I've decided what I'm going to stick with. Provided it doesn't cost too much I'm going to have this custom sump built by a pro. The measurements are a little unorthodox so I basically have to get a custom tank if I want to go any bigger than 10 or 20 gal.

Do you see any shortcomings with this design? I basically compiled it from everything I've read about sumps over the past few days, plus tailored it to suit my wants for this tank. (i.e. mandarinfish, NO3 reduction via DSB)

[Proteus]

There are other ways to go. You don't really need a DSB. Prodibio, zeo, gfo,Biopellets, vsv are all great ways to lower nutrients in tank especially with room constriction

I have a nano tank with a nanoer sump. Sump has filter sock rubble skimmer reactor and return pump. I dose prodibio and have sps dominant tank. For my years of service only being two years I'm very happy with my results