IOS with Refugium

[JardiniBoy]

I want to set up a SW tank, but due to height restrictions imposed by my project manager I won't be able to have a sump. My plan is to have an IOS (Internal Overflow System) along the entire back section of the tank that will contain all the equipment and a refugium.

The tank will be 90x50x60cm (LxWxH) and the IOS compartment will be about 10cm wide (so 90x10x60). There will be an overflow cut into the left side of the IOS compartment's glass and water will be pumped back into the tank from the right side. There will be a light above the refugium for the macro algae and the whole IOS compartment will be hidden from view (i.e. black).

I'm not sure if this will work ... so if you don't mind I'm gonna ask some questions:

(1) Will it work?
(2) How thick should the glass be for the tank and IOS front?
(3) What should the distance be between the baffles in the IOS?
(4) Is there anything else that I've forgotten in my plan?

Thanks in advance for any help!!!

Here's a pic ... what do you think of my MS Paint skills?

 

[Dominuslive]

actually tenecor sells them like this.... not exactly, but similar. Should be fine. I would use 1/4"-3/8" acrylic, sould only cost a few bucks, maybe 20 at most. We are talking a relatively small aquarium as well., One thing I would do though is add some returns for better turbulence. A larger pump will make up for the added head pressure. Also, could just use the main light system for refugium as well, yeah you will lose the 12 hour cycle, but you wouldn't want them on at night with the ref. in the tank.