Placing the sump as high as possible will reduce the need for a larger pump, however maintanence can become a problem if the sump is placed too high. If you're looking for new ideas you could check out my recent build where I stacked multiple sumps with the main circulation pump at the top and a secondary pump at the base. I used a RD 6.5 at the top and a AquaBee 3000 at the base, combined I'm using less than 70watts with a DT return of about 800gph. Also both pumps make zero noise, are internal and generate very little heat.
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