You can still use it in sump, just need to shorten the 1/2 tubing. The noise isn't "too" bad. I think partly because the flex tube isolates the vibration more than the J tube. I've never used this on any of my tanks. It came with a tank that I bought.
The previous owner was using it on a 92 gallon. Crazy, but better than nothing. I run a Euro-Reef CS6-1 on my 92 gallon.