It sounds like a wet/dry type filter to me as well, but I'm not familiar enough with them to explain anything. Do some searches on wet/dry filtration and see if you can find pics that look similar.
You can definitely fix up the trim and such, if its in ok condition. Good idea on tossing the hood/lights....lol. Sounds like a hazard to me!
Once you narrow down stocking a bit more you can figure out lighting and such. You won't need much light if you go with Africans. Do you think you could get a fixture over the tank with the way the tops are made? You could always get some retrofit kits and mount them to something if need be, but I was just wondering what kind of room you had for lighting.
__________________
*Kristin*
5 Planted tanks:
55g, 40g, 29g, 10g, 5.5g
10g N. multifasciatus tank, 5.5g Platy fry
|