Cheryl's 165 Gallon upgrade

[CherylMcKay]

3rd flood in as many weeks. The one pipe caught the syphon again and dumped 20+ gallons into the sump. Unfortunately my skimmer container is lower than my sump.

So, my gate valves are here and I know that if I lower my water, I can change out the plumbing underneath.

My dilemma is inside the tank.

1. I have to raise the pipes inside or I really only have 100 ( or less) gallons inside the display. Do I have to regular the PVC or will it fit tight enough just slipped together?

2. One of the pipes has a 180 degree turn so it pulled water from under the surface and was quiet. Is that wise? I have a skim on the surface of the tank because the surface never drains. Hate it but want a quieter tank?

Opinions?