is a good idea imo especially if you need to lift the skimmer up higher!I still run the marine pure blocks, I have really minimal rock in the display so I like that reassurance
ive had no issues running this in the past running a T pipe on the back also helps cut down sound if it is an issue. Syphon is no issue due to the pressure of the water pushing on an open pipe had similar setups in the past no dramas, (but that was just an open bulk head on the back no nice grill)That setup will mean the drain pipe is not submerged and will be noisy? Also depending on what style overflow your going with, siphon may be difficult to get going this way?