Yes, tension is the most important factor to consider when trying to determine string gauge choices. How tension will affect your particular guitar is extremely important to take into consideration. Not all guitars are created equal in this regard. Some guitars can handle a lot of tension and hold up under the stress, just like some string gauges and some can't.
The tension that your particular instrument will be subject to is determined by how you choose to tune the strings you select. So, first, determine what type of tunings you'd like to explore and I see that you've already mentioned what those tunings are. Then, as John has stated, select your string gauges accordingly. If you find that too much tension is an issue, use a lighter gauge string set to avoid string breakage and instrument damage. Conversely, if you are using a low tension tuning, heavier string gauges will help to tighten up your action, so it won't feel like your're trying to play with strings made of limp spaghetti.
Generally, if your guitar's action has high tension, whether via the tuning you use or due to the heavier string gauges you choose, or both, it will enable you to use a heavier slide without bottoming out against your frets. A low tension tuning demands a lighter weight slide or an extremely sensitive touch to avoid the same bottoming out.
As John explains, the only way you're going to know how the tension of your tunings and string choices will affect your particular instrument is via your own personal experimentation. My string gauge choices, on my particular guitar and the tuning choices that I choose, will not necessarily work for your guitar and your tuning choices. Expect to loose a few strings in the process. It's all part of the journey.
