new setup

I have a 120gal. tank which I have yet to setup (72x18x24). I've been
reading this news group for about 2 months now and I am trying to get a feel
as to what I should do. My tank is used and has 4 holes drilled in (2 on
each side). Here is what I plan to do;

250lbs. of live rock and a 4 inch sand bed. Under the tank I will have a
sump system with 4 sections, (1) refugium using miracle mud, (2) protein
skimmer, (3) Heaters, (4) 2 mag pumps for return. I will have two return
pipes that are 1 inch each and my two drain pipes from the tank will be 2
inches each.

The only thing I'm not sure about is if I should get rid of the protein
skimmer and make 2 sections the refugium. What I think I'm reading is that
with all the sand, live rock, and refugium I won't need the protein skimmer.
I'm not opposed to having one, I was actually going to build one out of
plexi and make it as tall as my tank with lights in the bottom to make it
look pretty (only way to convince the wife).

Anyway what I would like is some of you to just let me know what you think I
should change. The more information I have up front the better my tank will
be in the long run.

Thanks in advance
Frank

Keep the protein skimmer. Even with a 120 gal tank you will need it for
organic nutrient export.

Dan
www.komaromi.com




"Frank" wrote in message
...
I have a 120gal. tank which I have yet to setup (72x18x24). I've been
reading this news group for about 2 months now and I am trying to get a
feel
as to what I should do. My tank is used and has 4 holes drilled in (2 on
each side). Here is what I plan to do;

250lbs. of live rock and a 4 inch sand bed. Under the tank I will have a
sump system with 4 sections, (1) refugium using miracle mud, (2) protein
skimmer, (3) Heaters, (4) 2 mag pumps for return. I will have two return
pipes that are 1 inch each and my two drain pipes from the tank will be 2
inches each.

The only thing I'm not sure about is if I should get rid of the protein
skimmer and make 2 sections the refugium. What I think I'm reading is
that
with all the sand, live rock, and refugium I won't need the protein
skimmer.
I'm not opposed to having one, I was actually going to build one out of
plexi and make it as tall as my tank with lights in the bottom to make it
look pretty (only way to convince the wife).

Anyway what I would like is some of you to just let me know what you think
I
should change. The more information I have up front the better my tank
will
be in the long run.

Thanks in advance
Frank