Jim Mc

I use the 1" on both sides for the drains and the .75" on each side for the emergency with return coming over the top. I have seen setups that use one of the .75" for the return with the other one used as the emergency. If you do run over the top I would recommend a wye like this one. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/georg-fischer-wye-check-valve.html If you are dead set on drilling I think I would drill a return hole in the back for the return.

I have done this twice. I have never reused the sand or the water. I reused the rock once and used brand new dry rock the other time. I know some here may not agree but I would recommend getting the bacteria cultures for rapid cycling. I have never lost a thing even when starting with brand new dry rock. Hope that helps a little. Other members have more experience base don their jobs in the aquarium business and might have more tips.

I do 50% whenever things look different than normal (1/month). If I wasn't doing other things I would also do 10-20% weekly. I went 8 months without a water change after my injury. No loss but the tank didn't look that great either.

yep plus the membrane can look at them here to compare to yours http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk-reverse-osmosis-filters-systems/reverse-osmosis-systems.html

The both look like carbon to me maybe different micro sizes

I personally like Lyretail Anthias but any Anthias seems like it would work with what your doing.

I think someone might have mentioned it already but if you going this far with it then hard wire in the Apex. I am very glad mine is always wired in although most of the time it is completely unnecessary. Question on why use the reeflink and apex?

When I watched the video the first time I wondered if you were in the club. Welcome.

http://www.rapidled.com/ Is one place for LED parts. I am sure others can provide more options.

If your going to marine scene they will do an ammonia test for you which might help determine if one of your kits is bad.

Minus the hair algae that is a nice looking tank GLWS

I got great customer support from them. Mine was 11 months old when it crapped out. They sent me a brand new one. They will require proof of purchase with a date. If things don't work out for you let me know. The one they sent me is still sitting in the box.

I have couplings on there now so am covered there. I just cant decide if I should pull the trigger on this idea. I keep thinking if it works great but if it doesnt how the #$%% am I going to get the sand out.

For some reason I always want to use my overflows for something more than just a water drain, so here is my latest idea. Fill the overflows with about 6 inches of sand for a mini deep sand bed. Any thoughts? Good, bad, ugly.

I happen to own both of those pumps. While I cant give you hard scientific data this is my opinion of the differences. Both are great pumps. The Iwaki can handle more head pressure. The Dc12000 seems to use less electric I dont run mine on max. I think both have similar amounts of noise but the DC12000 has a higher pitch so is more noticable for me. The DC12000 can be run internal or external but the Iwaki is only external. I currently use the DC12000 on my DT and the Iwaki on my water change station because I have to pump the water up from the first to second floor.