40 gallon breeder options

[Tokash23]

I bought a 40 gallon breeder yesterday sweet awesome (thanks petco ). What to do next? I will eventually start a build thread for this tank however i want to be a little further along in the process before i start. I have a few questions that i really dont want to just wing myself because i think i understand it. I will be drilling the tank myself (nervous about it but hey itll be awesome when its done). Never drilled a tank before and the only other overflow system i had on my 55g was just a regular over the tank siphon. I want this tank to be alot cleaner looking than that setup. So heres my plan

I really like this setup and have been back and forth with the owner of this tank on his setup, but i still feel the need to ask questions about my tank specifically to try and make it my own.
1) Two 1 1/2" bulkheads in the middle with 3/4" returns (i plan to drill my returns in each corner). What sort of return pump should i be looking for to split the return to both corners like that? Also are the size of he drains/returns going to work (i have researched this like crazy and i think the sizes are correct)? Should i be worried about it without a box to help keep stuff off the drains? If i cant get any of this to work i do like the glassholes setup it looks nice and simple and thats what im all about. Im shooting for a 20g diy sump.
2)I have the prime hd light picked out, will one be enough or two. If i need 2 would i be better of picking a different light setup for the price? Plan for a mixed reef i dont really want limitations as to what i can keep.
3)I have a reef octopus skimmer (believe its the classic 110) that i had bought for my 55g several years back that i lent to a buddy of mine and he is willing to give it up as he doesnt really use it. He says that the pump gives off some voltage in the water ( i havent looked at it myself yet). Should i just buy new or would it be worth getting a new pump for the existing skimmer?

Think thats all i have right now. Im stoked to get this going, but its going to take awhile because money
Thanks in advance.

 

[tomtom2245]

I ran a very similar setup awhile ago, 40B with a 20gal sump. I had the bean animal style overflow using 1 1/2" drain pipes. My return was 1" though. And for a return pump I used a Mag7, you could look at something like a Mag9 if your are going to be splitting it. As for the drains, I would be worried if they weren't covered in some manner. If you leave them open, you always run the risk of snails crawling in, fish getting sucked down, or other things happening. One Prime HD I don't think will be enough, you would have to hang it pretty high to get full coverage, two would be way better. I have a Prime right now and love it. For the price they are great lights. There are plenty of other options out there depending on your budget. Even the "black box" Chinese lights would work good. And finally, I would look at the cost of a new pump for that Reef Octopus before going out and getting a while new skimmer. I used that exact same one on my 40B setup and it worked great. I wouldn't knowingly bring in equipment that leaking stray voltage into your tank.

 

[Tokash23]

On the tank in the picture he has snap on strainers the cover the drains so it isnt just completely open, but still a slight worry in the back of my mind. However he has had his tank up for several months without issue as far as i know. I was considering looking into the chinese lights they seem pretty decent. I would rather just buy one light verse buying two for $400 plus. Ill have to research a bean animal drain ive been looking at different drain types for atleast a month and cant seem to keep them straight as to what works and how. thanks for the reply