BioCube 14g to 65g upgrade/build...pics/quetions.

I am new here and if this is in the wrong secction I applogize, mods feel free to move it.

This is going to be a longish build as money becomes available, but I will try to take lots of pics...especially after I get my good camera back. I just took delivery of my new 65g perfecto/marinland with corner oveflow. The tank looks great and I areally like the black silicone. For lighting I have already secured a Coralife 36" 2x150w HQI setup. I built my sump out of a 20g, then rebuilt it to make the fuge area a little larger and to better fit the skimmer and pump.
Here are my questions:

1. What type of pump would you recommend that is reliable and reasonably priced. The overflow is rated at 700gph.
2. What type of Koralias would you recommend? I love to go Vortech, but just cant afford it right now.
3. Do you think the 2x150w would be enough to keep clams?
4. Does anyone have any good plans for building a stand and hood for a 65g?
5. Can someone recomend a good skimmer for the money? I am currently think Bubble Magus NAC6.

Pics as promised:
This is my current BC14:

Here is sump attempt #1:

This is the new tank with the redone sump:

 

sweet! the mods will prb move this to the show off your fish tank forum. so if you cant find it here, it will be there!

what size tank are you upgrading to?

 

The 65g is my upgrade from the BioCube. Today I masked off the tank and painted the back with 3 good coats of satin black spray...




Mods: Please move this to the Show your Tank section.

 

(moved)

Great job with the paint!

 

Thanks man. I am still trying to work out my equipment choice for return pump, skimmer, flow (cant affor Vortech anything...lol). I already have the lighting lined up.

 

Looks good man. Good job on leaving a big space for the skimmer.

 

Built the stand today. Framed with 2x4's, skinned in 3/4" Birch, rounded corners with 3/4" corner round trim, and the top trimmed with 3 pieces random molding.

 

Looks good.

 

Thanks man. I am just not sure how I should finish it. I dont think I want to stain it, and I am not sure what to paint it with. The truck bed liner lookg what be pretty cool, but I am not sure how to give it that look. Or maybe something two tone...black with white trim?

Any advice or opinions?

 

Looks good so far. As far as a painting scheme, I saw someone who did a speckled gray with black trim. I thought it looked good.