Suggested config for existing tanks (beginner)

[PKE]

I have 2 ~130 gal/24" depth built-in tanks and I am very confused about the appropriate configuration - choice of filtration and lighting - given the limitations, even after perusing this site for a while. The goal is clown fish, not specifically corals, though that may make sense.

Both tanks have permanent covers and I don't really see a way to use protein skimmers. Also both tanks are supported by wall-mounted equipment cabinets that are outside.

Tank 1 has an under-gravel intake, and its cabinet deck is about 5' below the tank surface.

Tank 2 has no under-gravel intake, and its cabinet deck is about 31" below the tank surface.

Both tanks ran for the last 10 years or so on 20 gpm pumps, OceanClear 325 canister filters, LifeGuard AF-92 heaters and ~100W total of T8 and T10 lighting with reasonable results. They have been out of service for about a year now, one pump and probably both heaters are shot, and I am re-looking at the whole setup.

I suspect the lighting is inadequate, and maybe the use of canister filters is a poor choice. There might be other problems...?

These tanks would have been state of the art/no expense spared when they were originally built in the late 1970s.

I appreciate any guidance from anyone!

[PKE]

I guess I should add that with no tank overflows and the equipment cabinets outside, a sump seems problematic to me anyway.

[ryeguyy84]

Have any pictures? That might give us a better idea of what we're looking at.

At least for me I'm a visual person

[PKE]

Here are pics of Tank 1. The blue tape on the wall marks the tank surface level.

[nmbeg]

Hmmm I think there is a lot to do to convert those to reef tanks. The substrate and rocks would need to be swapped.

As for filtration, you can get a hang-on-back overflow or hang-on-back protein skimmer. But the main filtration in any tank, corals or not, is live rock (and live sand).

Read fenner. Read the stickies. Then you'll have a better idea.

[PKE]

The prior owner, whose father installed these in the late 1970s, said the tank in the pics had coral for years (for what it's worth).

There really isn't access to the tank rims from above, as both tanks have covers. So I don't see a way to put in a hang-on-back protein skimmer.