In terms of layout...should the skimmer go into the intake section or the return section? There seems to be some debate on whether the water going to the fuge should be skimmed or not. As far as flow in my current setup, I'm going to have to make the best of what I've got to avoid divorce proceedings, ha, ha.
This may help us decide the best options:
History of current setup...
You gave advice on a previous thread when I got the 125 about 5 weeks ago. I got all of the above equipment and the tank for free, cannibalized my 5 year old FOWLR/LS 55 gallon, and 2 year old FOWLR/LS 29 gallon setups, kept the existing plenum, etc. I then added more LR, a larger clean up crew, the new skimmer, 3-175 Watt MH, 2-130 Watt PC actinics, etc. and Kent Marine 2 part alk/calcium additives.
This both drained my hobby finances and forced my patience in getting where I want to go....ha, ha.
Goal for tank:
I want to have a reef setup, allowing my tank to mature and getting my levels consistent. I want to have a setup that will allow me the flexibility to start slow and grow into the hobby. In short, I want to plan the sump/fuge, etc. now for whatever equipment needs I may have later.
Sorry for being such a newbie when it comes to the reef tank, I greatly appreciate your help and the information on these forums!!!