I need to buy a skimmer - sump fitment issues

[anen]

I just got a 65g tank (36x18x24) with a 29g sump. The guy I bought it from cut some of the back frame to squeeze the sump into the stand, so it's extremely tight in there. Between the top of sump frame, and the tank frame (the space where you would normally stick your hands to do maintenence is only a few inches.

I am trying to plan my plumbing and buy a skimmer right now.

It doesn't look like I will be able to take the skimmer out once it's installed; Will it ever be necessary for me to do so? I don't want to have to take the tank out to service the skimmer. There are already 3 chambers in there, and the left and right chambers are about 8x12 and the sump tank is about 18" high.

Second, should I run an external skimmer instead? Or should I buy a smaller sump tank? For a stand that is 36x18x24, what size sump tank and what size skimmer would you guys suggest?

Thanks for all suggestions in advance.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

consider a shorter sump like the 20G

 

[kevo220]

consider a shorter sump like the 20G

I would use a smaller sump, a 20g will work nicely. You will definitely want to get to your skimmer, I clean mine out every month or 2. I take apart the pump and clean it out as well as the main chamber and the collection cup. an external skimmer is nice but if it fouls up it will leak all over the floor instead of back into your sump.

 

[Master Shake]

if you cant do maintenance that is useless get a shorter tank, a 10, 15.... would be just fine. if you dont want to get a nother wump look into hang on slimmers.

 

[anen]

How much clearance between the top of the sump and the stand frame do you think I shoudl shoot for?

 

[jrobbins]

depends on the skimmer you want to get...maybe measure the space you are working with and then look for a skimmer that will fit. a tunze 9005 will probably fit...whatever you chose, make sure you can get it out without ripping up your whole sump...

 

[anen]

For the price performance ratio, do you think I'm better off getting a smaller sump and a bigger skimmer, or using the savings and buying a smaller skimmer like the Tunze?

 

[KathyC]

Smaller sump, bigger skimmer

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

Smaller sump, bigger skimmer

+1...lol Look into the Itech 100. They just released it with modded laguna pumps. Small footprint...

 

[2slo4me]

or the sump buddy skimmers... http://www.aquacave.com/sump-buddy-40-downdraft-brprotein-skimmerbr-by-ae-tech-1816.html

 

[anen]

There's so many skimmers to choose from... is there really that big a difference besides skimming method?

 

[rookie07]

There are so many cars to choose from, is there really a difference besides looks?
A ferrari looks prettier than a dodge dart, but does it drive better?

 

[morphiii]

There's so many skimmers to choose from... is there really that big a difference besides skimming method?

Skimmer is one of the more important things you need to run a reef. You need to be able to clean the collection every couple days or so.

Some skimmers don't need much head room to remove the collection cup. Look for those.