40 gallon acrylic build advice wanted

So i recently acquired a truvu 40 gallon tank from someone in my local reef club for $20 its in pretty good condition but there are some minor scratches on the tank. The dimensions are 36x15x16 and it is eurobraced with a center brace going across....technically the tank is 37.4 gallons by volume. On one end the tank is drilled with the outer diameter of the fitting measuring 1.575" and inner measuring 1.3" with a cone guard on it...i assume it was originally used for a skimmer since it had airline tubing going through it to the top of the tank, i would probably make this one of the returns. I think i want to put a center overlow on this tank and maybe drill a second return on the opposite end of the tank, does anyone see a problem with this or have a better recommendation? I am not sure of the size of the sump and i would probably be making it out of whatever i can get my hands on for free whether it be another tank 20+ gallons or an actual sump that needs repair etc. The skimmer will be determined once the sump/fuge is built. As for lighting, I have a 36" 250w MH fixture with 2 65w straight pin PCs built in....I would assume the amount of light from that would be plenty on a tank that shallow however would the MH melt through the center brace of the acrylic or would you know of a safe height that the light must be kept off the tank for it to not melt the brace? I will probably be building a stand as well.

Here are some pictures of the tank(still needs to be cleaned up and buffed)













Also the scratches dont seem to deep would it be necessary to sand and buff or would you think that just buffing with compound would be enough?

 

bump

 

If you run your fingernail over the scratch and can't feel it, I would start with 800 or 1000 grit and work your easy up. If you got an orbital sander it will group out tremendously. Them hand sand starting with 2000 grit. Thats what worked for me thus far on my tank.

It its what it is and how it should be.

 

lol youve been a ton of help today, the scratches are not that deep at all and are more like scuffs to maybe a little deeper than scuffs, definitely cant feel it with a finger nail

 

I try to help best way possible. Then you should start with 1200 grit and go up. If they are still there then slowly go down. Ok not an expert but just going from the experience I am now and the advice I got early. Best of luck B.

It its what it is and how it should be.

 

thanks a ton!

 

You are welcome. The bill its in the mail. Lololol

It its what it is and how it should be.

 

i noticed you are from florida, do you ever collect anything for your tank on your own?