Just thought I would update how things are going. I originally create this tank to become a Cichlid tank. But, after careful review and consideration I have gone away from this for now. For now. I do think in the end I will try Cichlids but for now I have gone with a tropical tank.
The tank was setup for cycling on November 6th, 2016.
The sump is working amazing. I do believe that any tank I have from now on will have a sump. It is very low maintance. Keeps my tank water crystal clear and so far I have no algae in my DTank. The refugium is doing its job and collecting all the algae in there. Perfect!
I have constant readings of 0 Ammo, 0 Nitrites, and <20ppm Nitrates. I am currently doing approx 30% WC once a week (with the Python, best product ever IMO). I vacuum the substrate at the same time even though I don't see any crud on the bottom. Once a week I change out my filter sock and I squeeze out the foam in the second stage. The foam could probably go 2-3wks as it is never really that dirty because the filter sock takes out 95% of the crud. Since the startup, I have had to clean the inside of my glass once.
All in all it is working very well.
Current stocking:
15 Columbia Tetra
12 Serpae Tetra
10 Prisella Tetra
6 Yoyo Loach
1 Red Tail Shark
2 Ghost Shrimp
3 Gold fish (kids just couldn't let them go)
3 Lazer Corys
More to come for stocking just not sure what...