My main goal is to make it more maintenance friendly so I will be able to keep on top of things better, which putting it downstairs will do.Greg,
As an FYI, I've been involved with the hobby for 30 years but mostly been out of it for the last 6 years so my knowledge may not be completely current. I have had similar tanks in the past and made them last. Currently thinking about getting a tank set up again and will probably involve a refugium but don't have the space to expand anywhere but the tank footprint. You may know most of what follows but here goes;
Just about any system will work but the ultimate success will depend on care and maintenance, as as far as I know there is no such thing as a set it and forget it aquarium.
1. Consider eliminating the mechanical filtration. There are some new systems out there advocating this, look up Triton from Germany.
2. If you are going to have a refugium, go with a mostly bare bottomed main aquarium. One less point of failure.
3. Given the size of the tank and the size of your refugium you should definitely have a nutrient sink unless you pack your main aquarium with fish. You may also find yourself with more Caulerpa than you can handle.
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