So it's been about a year since I started my first tank. The bottom line is the Red Sea MAX 130D is not bug enough for my stocking desires, so I am planning a bigger tank: ~120 gallons. THe focus of this tank is to be very quiet and somewhat energy efficient, but have enough flow and enough lighting to grow some SPS corals. I also want it to be more automated and therefore require less maintenance.
Here is the basic design:
and from the back:
The basic design is a coast-to-coast overflow with a BeanAnimal overflow drain design. This should enable a long thin sheet of water off the top and little to no air mixing in order to reduce the noise.
I also have designed some DIY LED lighting that should be plenty of light at a reasonable wattage:
