Thanks again guys for the encouragement. Like Justin74 brought up….I sure how this all works out. It would be embarrassing to admit defeat on the thread
That is why I waited a little while before starting the thread. I wanted to make sure the tank would spin, and the surge tanks would work.
Time for an update. I have just finished filling the system with RO/DI water. I also added 250lbs of Southdown Sand to the top tank. I will add the salt and fire up the MAG7 this week. It's probably time for me to order some snails and crabs. I just know I'm going to get some algae growth early on. I will try to get some test corals in the system a few days after adding the salt. Probably some cheap stuff like star polyp, xenia, and mushrooms.
Here is a little trick for getting rid of a "southdown cloud". Just add a powerhead with a DIY filter made of filter floss and a 20oz bottle. You should have clear water within 24-48 hours.
Here is some more detail of the lower plumbing. Like I said earlier... The top tank has a 1 1/2 inch drain pipe. The pipe is in the center of the round pool, so it just spins around. This spinning pipe slips into a 3 inch pipe coming up from the bottom of the lower "sump" pool. There is about 6 inches overlap. An output tube ensures constant water rotation in the lower pool. This is important since a heater (or 2 or 3) will be placed down there.
Just a reminder....we are on real-time now. This thread will be updated as I get steps finished. Next picture update will probably have some corals!