20g Tall Build

[SaltwaterNuB]

I just got a 20g tall for free. I plan on building a nano. It's not currently drilled. I was planning on drilling it and plumbing in my 20g long underneath it as a sump. I'm going to install 3 baffles in the sump. The 1st for filter sock and skimmer, 2nd for refuge, 3rd for return pump. I'm open for suggestions for a good but reasonably priced skimmer. Also I'm thinking of doing a 4bulb 24" t5 for lights... What size return do you think I'll need to move the water for this size tank? I'm going to start building my stand this weekend. I'll post pics of my progress.
I currently have a 135g reef with a 40g sump. Mag 950 return. Octopus skimmer and tlf reactor.

 

[SaltwaterNuB]

I'm ditching the t5's and going to get the dimmable 120w LEDs. Can I mount these to a canopy?

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

I'm ditching the t5's and going to get the dimmable 120w LEDs. Can I mount these to a canopy?

How high is the canopy? TaoTronics says not to mount it less than 10 inches off the water...

 

[SaltwaterNuB]

It was going to be about 8-10" off surface of water. Any higher it would look a little funky

 

[Stlrockguy]

I have mine sitting on top if a canopy. As long as the lights are getting the proper air movement they'll be fine.

 

[SaltwaterNuB]

I was planning on doing cut outs on each side of canopy. Aprox 3x6" then putting little vent grates so air can travel through. I was also wondering if I could lay a piece of acrylic on bottom glass for extra protection? I also wanted to do like X and add some rock under substrate to act like a deep sandbed without having to use a bunch of sand... Will this be ok? I haven't seen how deep my sandbed will be with the 30lbs of sand that I have.