Quick update: I've spent the last several days filling this tank up and am finally almost done!!
I got the bulkhead replaced last night and the new plumbing installed. Apparently there are different types of bulkheads out there with slightly different threads. The bulkhead I bought at the store is a slightly different type than the one that came with the tank and now the threads won't match up with the 1 1/4 in pvc, so I had to go the other way with it and use 1 inch pvc for that drain. I don't anticipate this being a problem though. You can see the small difference in the drain pipe on the right than the one on the left.
I've also had my gyre installed for the last few days. It's pretty neat and easy to install. I dont really understand what all the icons on the controller mean or do when lit up, but it's neat! I used the instructions to get it to do the wave action and it really pushes the water from one end of the tank to the other. I'm pretty impressed with it. Small note though, about 20 minutes after hooking it up in the tank and running it started making a squeaking sound. I left the house for a few hours and when I came back it had stopped, so maybe it was just breaking in. I'll be moving it once I have the tank running tonight. I had it there just to keep the water moving while I fill it.