[TurboSnail8898]

If you don't have the tank yet, go to a LFS and ask them if they can order you a Lee-Mar tank that has an overflow. Lee-Mar is a good company that sells reasonably priced tanks, they have much better quality then AGA, Oceanic and Perfecto. I would look into a 90 gallon tank, 48" long, 24" tall and 18" wide, its a good size and allows for some room for fish, coral and rock. A 30 gallon tank should fit under the stand and would allow for a skimmer area, return area and fuge. Eheim makes a good return pump that is quiet, efficient and has low heat and low maintenance. To make the compartments all you have to do is have some glass or acrylic cut to fit the tank and then silicon them in. For lighting, two 250 watt metal halides and a pair of 54 watt T5 actinics would be good.