question on adding a sump to a 90 gallon sea clear with filtration on back

[deepseadan]

I have a 90 gallon sea clear 2 acrylic tank with built in filtration. I don't like the design, so I want to add a sump with refuge below. My two questions are,
1. Is it a bad idea to add a 1 1/2 horizontal (instead of vertical) bulkhead for my drain to the sump?

2. Since drilling an inlet hole in the back of the tank isn't an option (4" 's of filter area), is drilling a hole and installing a inlet bulkhead on the top of the tank a viable option? Maybe put some flex tubing so it would disperse more horizontally once in the tank. Anyone done something like this?

 

[Smitty]

Look up GreenMasters 320g tank build. He drilled all his holes on the top left (if looking at the tank) and I believe it works really well for him. There is no rule saying you can't drill on the back of the tank, most people just like having the bottom drilled so there aren't visible pipes along the back.