I have less than a 1/2" of hose connecting my airtrap to the pump intake...
I tried using a two sided threaded connector, and making the pump/res assembly one piece, but that caused leaks... don't know why. Maybe too much weight resting on the pump. I'd move the HD bracket to where the PSU is, etc. (like mine). It helps keep the cables from bunching up in the bottom part of the case. I've got 6 rounded cables connected to my mobo/sound card (I rounded my SBAudigy Platinum cable
), and they are completely out of the way.
If you put the pump in the floor, you won't need the elbow at the exhaust at the bottom of the res. Just get a female/female 1" connector, a 1" to 1/2" bushing, and the brass fitting.
Note* cutting the case is a pain in the arse, primarily because you must take EVERYTHING out of the case. Plan carefully, and do it all at once.
Also, the mobo tray in that case is big enough for an extended ATX mobo, and then some. I cut the excess off... it gave me several extra inches to play with. (my girlfriend appreciates the extra inches, too.
) If you mod the tray, you can also shorten the track it slides back in forth in. Just pull it out of the bottom of the case and go to town.
I have my pump in the bottom two CDROM bays, so I cut back the excess metal on the cage to where the mounting screw holes start. ...gave me over an inch more space.
I cut a big, 6" square hole in my front bezel. I used a box knife, and took it out in one piece. I can put the piece back into place if I want, and it still fits snuggly.