Lots of Filtration, difficult to follow draft fully... don't worry it's just me!

Why not use plastic storage (Rubbermade Sterilite w/ drawers) and add floss and your choice media in the drawers. Just have the Overflow go through the top of the storage and drill holes... look it up on google or so... you could eliminate the external filter.

I'd rather not, filtration is a key part and the overflow goes to biological filter...the great thing about this is that it creates a variety of different currents within the tank, and circulation is key! As you can see, I even have an out-take where the rocks are to be placed, when normally when fish hide deep in rocks they are pooping and breathing in sitting water, I don't like the idea of that.

Thanks for the comment tho

I have undergravel jets which produce current throughout the bottom of the tank(almost completely) set up in a 46g tank and keeps bottom virtually clear, the only filtration besides the prefilters on 2 pumps is the Emperor 400. I just try to keep it simple:)

You definitely need to fill this with Flowerhorns

Nice setup, but may be a little much for a 55 gal. This should work fine. I have a simple undergravel filter with a power head, and 2-30/60 hob filters and get about the same effect.

NIce set up! It's sad, but I draw fish tank set-ups all the time (just in case my wife lets me get another one!)
I like your set up, and the over filtering (always a good idea in my book)
The only suggestion I would give is - I like sand better than crushed coral, and unless those plants are fake ones - they will be munched on by mbuna.
Other than that: Looks great!
I can't wait to see it for real!
What exactly are you planning on putting in there?
8 labs and a dozen Demasoni would look great!

thank you all, I have a 29 gallon with mbunas, I'll put the ones that are out growing that small tank into hear...Im not exactly sure of any other ones. I'm going to try and breed in it though, any suggestions, I've never bred before.