t_coffee what kind of lighting do u have now? sure you can keep a mini reef even without the MHs (metal halides) but you cannot keep corals that need very strong light like SPS (Small Polyped Sclerectinia).

btw, how's the sump going? have u got a design now? i think it will be hard to find a glass shop in Doha that will drill the glass (for the drain and return pipe).