Thanks all. I checkced out the Calfo manifold- looks like that might be the way to go. I see what you mean with the closed loop flow now instead of the powerheads. A Dart with a foot or so of head loss would give about 3300 gph of flow. With 500-1000 gph flow from the return would that be enough flow? I'm still not clear on what is considered optimal (cost vs the good of the tank).
It's easy enough to add a Tunze later but I may stick with just the Calfo- I like the idea of eliminating the powerheads.
I'll look into the Vortech pumps- hadn't heard of them before.
The sump will likely be half under the tank and half in the room, running perpendicular to the main tank. This will shorten pipe lengths and give me easy access to the skimmers (and will allow an upgrade later). I'm hoping to get away with what I have. Together they are rated for over 300 gal aquariums. But I hear ya, more is better and if the bioloads get too high I will get something bigger.
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