[klc317]

After having alot of success with our 75G reef, we have decided to upgrade to a 125 in the living room using the contents of our 75G that is currently in the office and obviously adding more stuff. Obviously now that I know alot more, I am spending alot more time planning the tank setup. I am planning on:

125G All-Glass reef ready aquarium

Custom 2x2 steel tube welded stand covered with pine and including doors on both ends in addition to the front doors for easier access underneath.

Painting the rear exterior glass black

A 72" Coralife Aqualight Pro fixture with metal halides and PCs

ASM skimmer (largest I can fit)

A custom made DIY sump, hopefully in the 30+ gallon range depending on what I can fit, larger the better. I should have room to include a nice refugium under a 6-foot long tank too.

Now for the suggestions from you...

I am still undecided about a closed loop system or a Tunze/Seio system for extra circulation, I have done alot of reading about both but could use some help on that. I wouldn't have a problem with either but I will need to plan ahead in case I need to have some holes drilled in the rear wall of the tank. If I were to add a closed loop system, what pump size would be sufficient for a tank this size and how many intake and exit holes would I need? Not looking to set the world on fire, but would like to achieve about a 15X minumum turnover, preferably more. I would be interested in some sort of wave-maker system (mainly for asthetic reasons) so that may be a variation on suggestions. That leads to the next question..

What would be the best return pump for this setup or would I be better of with two? Obviously all the flow doesn't need to be run through the sump but with two overflows to feed I want to keep it fed well.

Oh, as for what I plan to keep in the tank...I have tons of zoos, softies, a clam, several anemonies, leathers, hammers, a couple of large brains, mushrooms, and many various things in my current tank and all have been doing great with my MH/PC combo. I would like to venture into a few modest SPS in the future and that is my reason for the extra water flow questions but also to keep a healthy flow through a 6 foot long tank. Basicly I want to be able to keep all my LPS and softies and have the ability to add other things later so I want to get it all setup for the long haul now. Well, thats enough to keep you busy for now, time for bed. I'll think of some more questions by tomorrow...lol!! Thanks for the help!