50gal Tank Setup?

[Demon]

50gal Tank Setup?
I finally got the go ahead to set up another tank. It will be a 50gal breeder (36x18x18). The tank will be drilled with corner overflows. The tank will be set up for pretty much softies with maybe a couple of LPS.

Here is the questions I have.
1) What size should I have the drain and return holes drilled.. Will be one return and one drain.

2) Was planning on using a 20gal tank for a sump. Will this work sufficent?

3) What size of return pump should I use (gph), and what brand is suggested?

4) Lighting will be 4 36" VHO bulb, should be pretty good for softies right?

5) Skimmer recommendations?

Any other suggestions will be appreciated..

TIA
Ralph


__________________

 

[howie099]

1) It matters how much water you want to circulate. For me I would just dill the holes big enought in one corner to fit a 1" system

2) that sump size seems fine, You can use a rummbermaid container to keep cost down also.

3) Mag makes good pumps for the money I would say about a Mag 5 or 7 should do.

4) That is good for softies and some LPS

5) So many to choose from, I would a get a venturi type in the sump so you can get a little larger return pump and run the skimmer of the same pump