Aquarium Canister filter help!!?

I just bought a canister filter and it has these THICK green hoses for the intake and out put. The problem is the canister has to sit next to the 46 gallon tank cause the stand doesnt permit it to be under it. The hoses are thick and not pliable at all. Is there any way I can make them soft and more managable? Also can I swap out the intake and outtake of other canister filters. The ones I have are kinda flimsy and not sturdy?