I'm about to order my external pump and the new filter media for my pressure filter. Since I'm using an external pump, I will need a tube to "suck" the water down from the tank. Since normal Vinyl tube can somewhat collapse under pressure, is there a specific ribbed suction tube I should use? I'd like to be able to pick up the parts at a Lowes or Home Depot if possible.

My second question.... what should I use to go over the side of the tank to act as the water inlet? Is there a "U" shaped tube I should get, or should I just make my own out of a PVC pipe and a drill?

I've read a bit about overflows, but the extra $$ is a bit out of my price range at the moment....I still have to get heaters.

most fish stores sell tubing of the right size for most pumps, this won't flatten, and will keep shape better on bends, a lot of people use PVC piping too, so ifs the size you need and your confident in gluing it together(pretty easy) that could be your answer. what size you looking at??

i concur with marcus....
but if you want an sturdy one... a pure pvc pipe is a good option.
the u-bend.... just connect and glue tow pvc elbow using a short cut
pvc pipe and you will have a good one.....

I'm planning to use 1" PVC. I'm going to take a piece of 1" PVC to the bottom of the tank, put it in a "ring" of 4" PVC with some holes drilled in it to distribute the pressure and keep the fish away from the 1" intake.

Then I'll pipe that down below the tank into the stand where I'll put a barb fitting with 1" tube on it to the canister filter. This will be attached to the Pump via 1" Vinyl, unless I can find a good PVC fitting that will fit the pump. Pump Discharge will go back up to the tank in 1" Vinyl, and into the tank.

I'll check the hose at PetSmart to see if it's good for suction.