15" blue Max coil- lots of questions?

[robbor]

I just got this coil to play with on my new to me XLT.
Any program recommendations epically for coins?
Any idea for a coil cover or protecting the bottom of the coil? I expected the bottom to be flat, oh well.
Also i was going to get a tall man lower rod to get it further away from the metal detector shaft and maybe see if i could eliminate the middle rod or something.
Any hint or tips or experiences appreciated.