Here's the few things I would insist on: 1) Ceramic tile floor (large tiles) 2) 2 or 3 Central Filtration systems (to allow keeping more than one type of water chemistry), using overflow bulkheads on each tank draining to sumps... 3) "Automatic" water change system... Tap flows into a Carbon filter, then into a DI unit, then into the tanks (using a IV bag hooked into the line to dose with conditioners)... outflow would be from an overflow bulkhead on the sumps draining into the house plumbing. 4) The ability to take any tank off-system at a moment's notice... (using valves) There are lots of other things I would want, but I think that these are the most important to me... Have fun, Cliff ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@majordomo.pobox.com. For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help, email apisto-request@majordomo.pobox.com. Search http://altavista.digital.com for "Apistogramma Mailing List Archives"!