IMO I would not block it. I would put a cannister type filter underneath and us that, or you can even use a wet/dry for fresh water...plus put the heater in the wet dry sump to keep your tank looking clean, just IMO like I said, or you could leave it in place take out the current pvc, and put pvc with sold tops(use a litle aquarium silicon) over the holes. That way if you ever change your mind you can still use the overflow.