of course i don't mind, and thanks everyone for the well wishes and feedback thus far.
my latest update comes without pictures unfortunately, but my boss sweet talked the scale house employee at the quarry, and it looks like i'll be getting the limestone in different sizes for free.
also, i called a local reefer buddy of mine who i haven't spoke to in a while, and he told me he still has the large amount of sand i gave him a year or so ago, and didn't use it.
now i need ideas for a sump. i've been looking for a large, used tank to pick up cheap, but that may not happen, so i was considering stock tanks.
Tractor Supply Company - Stock Tanks
i was thinking i could use one of those shallow 50 gallon tanks for a frag tank, and one of these for a sump-
Rubbermaid® Structural Foam Stock Tanks, 150 gal. Capacity - 2229919 | Tractor Supply Company
i'm wondering what would be the best way to partition it though.
as for the skimmers, i could just put them on a stand that kept them submerged only 10 or so inches, and doing water changes would be a snap. shut the pumps down, drain 50 or so gallons out, then refill with new water, and turn the pumps back on...cake.