Lets see if I can describe this...

[Fish]

Gary,
Thanks for your input. I was kinda worried that it wouldn't work with the sand. I realize that if there is a cracked seal or something the whole tank would drain completely empty. The risk is lower though because the tank is pretty thick glass, the fittings are secure, and the entire thing is a closed loop which is a "more" safe way of moving water outside a tank. I would have liked a standpipe intake - more for the surface skimming benefits - but there is no way that I could have hidden it as well as under the sand bed. Also if it was a safety concern I would have to raise both the intake and outlets with standpipes because a failure anywhere in a closed loop would drain the tank level to the lowest bulkhead. I personally do not believe a failure is likely but if it ever did happen, it would be a pretty minor setback. I mean, 2gals worth of livestock isn't too bad .

- Chad