wrapping up...
since i can't rid off the splashes i installed splash shields...
...the flow got better and more even except for the one side that has no flow which i figured it's the pump's flaw. i also glued acrylic strips on the bottom part of the screen to flatten it out perfectly.
with lights...
ats online...
the water was from about two weeks ago hence the appearance. let's see if this will clear out in the weeks to come.
i'll start the experimentation on the ats within this week and will make another thread for it. thanks to all for the inputs. hope you enjoyed this build...