http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/april2003/beginner.htm


- make sure the tank is level before filling :)         (or multiple overflows will be fucked, among other things)

- failure scenarios:

    - closed-loop pump fails                -- have at least two external pumps

    - float-switch fails                    -- have at least two float-switches

    - salt water drips onto 120v power      -- make sure ALLL electronics are properly sealed
                                            -- make sure GFI is liberally used

    - ball valves fail                      -- water flow can't be stopped.  Over-the-edge pipes will never have this problem.


- emergency planning

    - periodically turn off power, to make sure that all power-outage solutions are working properly
        - backflow prevention
        - sump  open space for extra water


- salt water weighs 8.5 lbs/gallon.  100-gallons of water, plus rocks and sand, weighs over 1000
  lbs.  Plan accordingly.

- if drilling holes, drill them near the top of the tank so any leaks or problems with external
  equipment will result in only partial loss of water

- put valves everywhere, so things are as easily servicable as possible

- don't use clear tubing if at all possible (otherwise coralline algae can form).  If you must, then
  cover it up with light-blocking material.

- pumps should always be gravity-fed so their inputs will never be dry

- pump input lines should NEVER be undersized