Update:
Only pumps I can find that are powerful enough to operate the system, are either too large/external pumps, or, are far too expensive ($150+) for me to justify using. (can only justify if I were using it for an external sump system, with the return under the gravel, blah blah blah.
Not sure of what to do next, maybe just move everything over and continue the 2-3 times weekly gravel vacuuming
*sigh*