shopping list for upgrade - need help

[nickyblase]

I have FINALLY ordered a tank for my new stand - and will be going from a 20 to a 38. Here's what I've got planned -

Tank will be drilled with one drain to sump (most likely a 5g salt bucket or the largest rubbermaid that I can fit inside the stand), drilled with gravity feed into a 2 gallon bucket deep sand bed, drilled with gravity feed into a small fuge, with return pump that will split into a T at the top with 2 returns into the display.

First off, Can I get away with a sump of only 5 gallons?

Also - I will need to pick up:
bulkheads - thinking 1" for drain & 2 3/4" for returns???
a new skimmer,
a return pump (head is prob 4-5 ft),
and also something to cover the top of the tank to prevent jumpers. I guess eggcrate or something?

Can anyone make recommendations? I've heard a lot about diff. skimmers (Remora,ETSS, ASM, etc) & also pumps (Little Giant, Mag, etc), but for a tank this small, am not sure what I should get - you all have tanks that are MUCH larger than mine!

Thanks for your help!

 

[RichConley]

Nicky, where is the tank going to be? If its in a bedroom, or TV room that makes a big difference. A loud pump is fine in a basement, but not cool when you're trying to sleep or watch TV.

Whats the dimensions on a 38? whats the inside of the stand like/

 

[nickyblase]

it will be in the family room, so I'd need the pump to be quiet. The dimensions of the 38 are 36"L x 12"D x 20"H.

The inside of the stand isn't huge. It's the standard AGA wooden stand. When I played around with the space last night, I could fit 2 5gal salt buckets with some extra room for maybe a smaller container as well.