Large zero/infinity edge

As I'm getting ready to start my next (and first in a long time) tank, I really want to do a zero edge tank. However, I want a larger tank, 120gal or so. So, before I seriously consider doing a zero edge this large, I'm thinking about things I need to take into consideration other than a high price tag for a zero edge that big. First thing would be flow. From what I understand, the hex zero edge at Marine Aquatics (I would probably have Eric build this tank) that is about 40gal has a Dart, moving about 1200gal/hr to get the water to flow evenly over the edge. That being said, with a tank three times the size, I would need about three times the flow, or 3600gal/hr. The problem this brings up is the effectiveness of a skimmer or UV sterilizer. Obviously I'm not going to be able to have (much less afford) a giant skimmer in the sump that could do even half that per hour. I'm looking at keeping mostly SPS and zoas in the tank. Would the flow from the returns possibly be too turbulent?

What other problems could you guys think of with doing a zero edge this size?

Edited by alexmetal - April 26 2010 at 4:00pm

There very little draw back other then cleaning both sides of the glass which really isn't that big of a deal.

Maybe depending on the size of the zero edge tank, Let me know if you have any questions on it.

That's actually a good idea. I was under the impression it's not best to have raw water going to a refugium though? Isn't it best to have to go through the skimmer first, then to the fuge? Or would I put the second return after the fuge? I'm not sure how I want to set up the sump yet.. I was thinking sock filters>skimmer/UV/calc reactor chamber>fuge>bubble trap>return pump.

For the skimmer I've been looking at an AquaC EV-240 with a Mag 12 on it. I'd really like to make my own, but I don't have access to the tools I would need to do such a thing. Any better (cheaper would be nice too) alternatives?

Another big concern with that much flow is how turbulent the water is going to be. I'd like a nice big carpet anemone, with some black percs.. Would 4500-5000GPH coming from 3-4 return lines in the center be too much for an anemone or anything else to handle?

Good to know I was mistaken. :)

Another issue, what about ripples on the top? It seems like this much flow would cause a lot of ripples, or does the zero edge eliminate that?

I've never seen a "zero" or "infinity" edge aquarium before.  I gotta see some pictures.