New Reef (40g) Update

Today I picked up the following:

• 1.5" Bulkhead & Fittings
• 3/4" PVC & Fittings
• 10g Glass Tank for Sump
• Rio+ 2500 Pump for Sump
• (2) 3/4" Directional Returns

I still need to make my final decsion on how I want to build the sump. The choices are: Inline Sump, External Sump (10g), or HOB Sump (somehow).

Here is what is going through my head...

Inline Sump
There are a few problems with the inline style sump. First, this limited the space of the sump to 4 gallons or so. Second, it is visible from the front of the tank (since it takes up 6 inches of one side) which is an eye-sore. Third, I don't think my protein skimmer will fit. Forth, I would have to add more powerheads to the other side of the tank.

The inline sump is good because the sump is housed inside the main (obviously). This means there never is an issue of flooding or overflowing. Also I wont need another set of lights or drill glass which seems to be a big issue.

External Sump
This option is what I'm considering most at the time. If I do this I will need to create an inline overflow in the main tank (which requires drilling the glass) which will flow into the sump (10g tank) below. There, the water will be conditioned and treated without any visible equipment. Then the water will be returned via two directional return nozzles.

The two major cons to this options are cost and drilling the main glass tank.

HOB Sump
Or Hang On the Back Sump... This would involve ample room behind the tank for the sump and some sort of intake/return system. I would need to research this method more if I start considering. Also, the sump would only be 3-5 gallons.

What to do??? Decisions, decisions, decisions...