So... Now it was time to install the horizontal overflow. Of course, in my infinite wisdom I decided to just remove half the water in the tank and install it "without stressing the fish by removing them"... I think at this point they would all gather in a cave at night and plot my death. Here's some pic's of the instal job
I supported the overflow from the bottom by putting lengths of pvc pipe underneath, then clamped it to the sides. Way more awkward to do then it is to talk about. My dog learned a few new words that day!
Now, with a proper overflow, I set the 55 gallon up as a sump behind the tank. I've struggled finding an affordable return pump that is quiet and doesn't use too much energy and have finally settled on a hydor selz.
The eggcrate structure in the sump raises the Chaeto up closer so I can get away with a cf light. It is also supposed to be part of a benthic zone, but so far that idea hasn't taken flight. Looking at this picture, I can't believe how clean it is!