Can I mount return pump on top of sump?

[agfahy]

I have a space issue.
If my return bulkheads are 2" off the bottom of my sump, can I mount the external return pump on top of the sump?
Will the pump pull the water up 12", through the pump, and then up to the aquarium?

 

[ChemE]

If and only if (iff) the pump is self-priming and has a suction lift greater than 12" it will work. I would first look into a compact submergeble pump though, it will be much easier to find.