Sump/Fuge/Skimmer size

[warlockgp]

I'm planning on having a 120G tank and i was wondering how big would the sump and fuge will have to be (gallon wise)? Also I'm gonna drill the acryllic tank (2 out/2 in) and i was wondering on the out tubes to the sump, how should i make it so that it doesn't suck fish in? What kind of strainer do you people use? How tall should it be? Like how many inches past the sand level in the main tank (120G)........
What's a closed loop?
I also want to make my own skimmer but the plans i read call for it to be 28"-32" high. That won't fit in the stand i plan to build so what if i have 2 or 3 at about 20" high? Also, can i have too much skimming power if i use it like that? Can they be stand alone units or do they have to be daisy chain?
This hobby rocks, and building your own stuff gives you an even better feeling................
Any other hints on what i should do and avoid............
And oh yeah any advice on making my own 120G (48"Lx30"Wx20"H) acryllic tank.
Thanks oh mighty people of the forum

 

[warlockgp]

I got the closed loop thing down. Could i have some help with the rest of ???'s though please............
I'm gonna go with a closed loop, 1 out, 2 in. And the overflow might be the same as well or just one out one in. I'm open to suggestions, constructive criticism and self steem bashing so give me what you got......................

 

[midwest reefer]

I would think that one 20 inch skimmer would be fine if you have a suffecient pump on it. I run a 125 with a huge waste load and my skimmer is only 20" high. check your LFS for strainers, or do a search on the internet, thats where I had the best luck. As for your sump...Im not the best person to answer this, but on your fuge, you should be good with a 10-20 gallon. Also with the fuge, be careful not to get too powerful of a pump. it will kill your macro's
GL!

 

[warlockgp]

Thanks, any more comments anyone?