need advice with new 120G reef tank

[jdschwar]

I am planing to build a new 120g system, 48x24x24, and I need some advice on a few things:

1) overflows
How many, what size holes, etc. I started reading the huge thread on overflows and was a little lost.

2) starfire or regular glass
is the extra money worth it in this size tank or would i be better off spending that money on other equipment

3) skimmer
seems to be a huge range of prices. are the really expensive ones that much better? I want a great skimmer but I don't need to have the best skimmer ever invented.

[detroit_fan]

1- I would go with 1 center overflow or 2 corner overflows. I have a 6ft tank and only put 1 in it to save space in the tank. I personally like to go 1.5" on the drain size, this helps reduce noise and allows for something like a snail to get in the drain and not clog it. Return can be 3/4" or 1", I like to use 1" return.

2- This is something you have to decide imo. If you have the money I would get it, if you want to save some money pass on it and you can still have a great looking set up.

[Indymann99]

I have a 120g (48x24x24) and really like the dimensions

I went with a single center overflow (but it is pretty big in terms of volume).

I would read up on Bean Animal or Herbie drain designs (I went with Herbie due to my plumbing constraints).

I prefer acrylic tanks but you have to understand and live with the "cons".

I have 3 powerheads in the tank as well (2x K4 and 1x K3)

Sump is a 45g with a Mag 9.5 for the return.

Skimmer is ASM G2 with Sed 5000 upgrade. (not highend equipment but works fine for me).

My FOWLR (plus nem :lol2: )

http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/?action=view&current=SNC00194.mp4

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Tankdoorsopen.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/2010-10-04_19-45-03_365.jpg

Finally I will put in my standard recommendation of QT tank :beachbum:

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/QTinMixRm.jpg