Okay.... here are some changes I might make due to several reasons. Feedback are more than welcome.
First is the design of frag and mangrove system - instead of having them situated across the fish room, I decided to make them into one "L" shaped tank. The reason is that I want to reduce plumbing work and I was kinda worried about the slow flow rate when water flows back (gravity) to the main sump under the DT. Also, the L shaped layout provides a better working space in the fish room.
I also scratched the idea of using my old tank and the tank made by scrapped acrylic material. Whichever design I decide to go with, both tanks will be brand new and made by glass.
Original plan:
New plan:
The widths of the L shaped tank should both be 75cm ^^^^^ made a mistake in the drawing.
Secondly, I am VERY tempted to install AI Hydra 52 HDs as part of the lighting system. I should be able to cut down MHs from 10 units to 5 if I do this. The fish room will be much cooler with just 5 MHs, and the AI app is just surprisingly easy to use. Here is an illustration - 12 Hydras, 5 MH, and 8 VHOs (4 feet each)
I was very against LEDs at the beginning, because I just couldn't stand the disco ball effect, and the shimmers just look too artificial to my eyes. However, a friend of mine suggested 52HD and I gave it a try on my holding tank in conjunction with one 400W MH and four 4' T5s. The disco ball effect was pretty much gone, and the shimmering doesn't feel as rushed when I lid the tank up with 52HD only. Everything seemed pretty blend-in. I sat there and messed around with the AI app for at least an hr and just loved it. I am pretty sure there is a high chance I can hit the sweet spot with this light.
Tried my best to take some pictures with iphone:
ALL ON - except red, green and violet:
White LEDs only - This color looks great to me:
White LED with just an accent of blues:
So these are the possible major changes, please let me know your thoughts.....!