Need opinions on new tank design

[Starry]

planning out a new tank I will be setting up next spring. This is my closed loop. Anything anyone would change or add?
The display itself will be 1/2" starfire on front, left and right panels. Standard 1/2 float on the back and a 3/4" bottom. Dual 1.5" dursos in the back corners.

And this would be the 75G sump underneath it.


Any input appreciated!

[Myka]

So that's a manifold that will sit where or are those actually drilled in the glass? Is that a top down view or from the side? If that's top down you won't need two valves, just the one ball valve on the intake assuming the intakes are drilled on the bottom of the tank. Sorry, I'm not getting what's going on in your picture.

I personally am not a fan of manifolds. I figure you'd be better off drilling one intake, and 2 or 4 outlets using a 2 or 4 way OM. I like the water movement of that much better. Just my personal preference.

[Starry]

Thanks Myka.
Its a front view. all holes are drilled. The valve and union after the pump is for when the pump gets removed for cleaning, and for any emergencies as the bulkheads are below the waterline. (dont want the lines to drain onto the floor) I want 2 intakes so as to divide the suction, and in case one gets plugged or something. As for the OM, can always add that later on if needed.
Also just found that this pump has a 2" input, not a 1.5" as it says on J&L's site. (have to call them and get them to fix that)

[Myka]

Ah ok, then ya you need the valves then. I would save the money and buy true union ball valves instead of the ones you're picking out. I don't like the returns are the water surface...they won't do much way up there. They would do you more good closer to the sand.

[Dez]

Agree with Mindy. If the water movement is spread all over it would be much better. That's the beauty of a closed loop. If they're all at the surface, most of the movement would get "sucked up" into your overflow.

[mark]

CL with a OM device to mix things up (one here)

[Starry]

OK, did a little more reading, and came up with this:

(sorry,donno howto make it larger)
My only concern with this lay out is: Wont all the sand end up on the front pane of the glass? Should defiantly stop any detritus buildup. 4more outlets creating a reverse cycle would be awesome, but out of my price range.

Starting to think it would be less $ to get a wave box. But the idea is to keep the tank cluttered from equipment.

Thanks for the tips all.