Ok, so I'm looking to build a new tank to replace my current 10g. Once I start ordering parts I'll start a thread explain the how's and why's but in the meantime I'm trying to decide what the best way to configure this thing is so I'm open to whatever suggestions people have. Note that the plan is for this to be a rimless tank and I want to keep that overall look as much as possible. Here's what I know so far;

Tank
Dimensions would be ~16x20x24. (TBD but somewhere between 30-35 gallons)
Yes, deeper than wide and a lot of height (for seahorses). The somewhat strange dimensions are because it would fit on a new stand right next to my office at the house where I can properly see/care for it.

Sump
10-15g, located inside the cabinet. All equipment would go in here.

Lighting
T-5's, some of the newly coming out 12" ones from nanotuners most likely to fit the odd size. Possibly LED's if I'm feeling like a DIY project but never done that before

Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment

Ok, so my questions are as follows.

I'm a little concerned on the overflow, at 24 inches and going down it'll suck up a lot of space in the tank. In order to minimize that I was thinking about just a limited overflow (ie, doesn't go all the way to the bottom, see 2nd pic). Is there a better way to handle that or is that way to do it?

Since this is going to be a seahorse tank the flow for them is supposed to max out at about 10x (300-350gph). What's the best way/best location to put in pumps so that the flow is spread well. I'm guessing split the return pump on the back to spread it a bit and then add an adjustable circulation pumps on the side to get the front. Is there a better way?

I'd love any suggestions anyone might have. Finally figured out which stand to order to make it work in the room. Now it's just figuring out the best way to configure this thing. It will be custom so I have control over how high, what goes where etc but I've never done a custom tank before so just searching for ideas/recommendations at this point.

Floating overflow is fine. Take a look at my tank thread for an example. That's what its called by the way.

For flow... Spray bar in a U shape should cover you for the return with maybe an MP10 set on lagoon mode very low for the rest. But if its a seahorse only tank you don't need the T5's and you don't need the added flow.

Floating overflow. Figured there was a name for it. I realized another question related to that last night. I've seen some, such as yours, which only go a small ways over, maybe 3x5". I was hoing that would be enough of an overflow box, guessing it is.

On the MP10. The lagoon mode sounds great. Looks like they have a version that could get down to the numbers I need.

I don't need T5's or flow for the horses. I want them for the corals. While the choices of corals are limited a bit with the seahorses there's still a decent collection of ones allowed and I want some in there. Besides, if I ever repurpose the tank it would be nice to have a solution already there.

Thanks.