I really need to update with pics, but I haven't done much lately.
zalnn, I did not replace the pump. I simply used soft tubing to go from the pump to the filter, and it made a HUGE difference in the vibrations, which was literally making the racket in the pvc. I still have a coupe of bugs to work out such as the 1.25" tubing is actually too soft and tends to crimp where it should be turning. I really don't want to go to a smaller tubing and so I've set up the tubing to make a sweeping curve. I'll leave it like that until I have a chance to think up another design.
Jhekker123, check my signature and follow the link to my galleries. I have not taken too many pics of the big tank yet due to some haziness,. more than likely due to the filter maturation process. In a week or two, it should be good for photography again.
Some fresh pics after adding a few plants. The current and bichirs present a real challenge so at this point, I've tied off most of the plants to driftwood.
My apologies for the reflections on the left side. I didn't notice that until I uploaded to the comp. :S