Planning my new tank: some questions...

[Hurgoth]

I am in the process of designing my new tank for when I move May 1st. I have decided to go with a 36x24x24. I havent decided on a manufacturer but that shouldn't be too tough. I have designed my stand and canopy for the most part (just need to get my hands on a table saw) as well as the sump. I am unsure of a few things though:

1. Lighting - I currently run a 250w 20k SE MH. I was thinking of sticking the MH in the middle, adding 3 24" T5's on either side of it, and creating a sunrise/sunset moon effect with 5 timers (the 4th being for the actinics, and the 5th being for the moonlight). My idea is to have the actinics turn on, then the left side on, then the MH, then the right, then have the left turn off etc...

Questions:

Does anyone currently have a setup like this running?

Should I change my MH to a duel ended type - what are the benefits of this?

20k... if I were to change to a 14k would that improve coral growth and make my corals "bling" more?


2. Return Pump: I use a Little Giant right now.

External or Submersible? Pros and Cons?

Recommendations?

3. My tank: I saw a post not too long ago where someone had the overflow teeth cut out of the back glass and the overflow connected to the outside back of the tank. I can't find that post now for the life of me. Anyone know where I can have that done?

 

[wsun083]

ygpm

 

[blu0honu]

taggin along, will be getting the same tank in April, haven't yet decided on the light setup.
i think an external pump will put less heat into your tank, if heat is an issue...

 

[Hurgoth]

I am torn on the light setup... I really want to try the whole sunrise/sunset effect and stick with 1 MH in the center. I run just 1 250MH in my tank (36" width) right now and it is plenty of light. I don't really do SPS but if I get some I will just put them in the middle up high.

 

[karl~23]

if you want something like a dusk/dawn effect you might need to buy some PCs.

 

[SirLight1337]

im running this exact setup.

Im using a SE 14K 250 watt MH for my lighting and it is hung in a SE style hamilton pendant. My tank is mostly softies so lighting wasnt a huge concern for me.

I also have an extra tall 36" stand and its all open top. No canopy, as the tank is euro braced.

Before it was stocked

http://members.cox.net/darnoc1/90 Gal/Front.jpg

With some stuff in it
http://members.cox.net/darnoc1/90 Gal/Tankstocked.jpg

And the sump setup
http://members.cox.net/darnoc1/90 Gal/Sump.jpg

I kept it all very simple with soft plumbing and a mag 12 for the return. The only thing i wish i had done different is a larger sump with a fuge.