Skimmer cup to big to be removed under stand

[dom418]

I have not filled my 125g up yet but I am test fitting all my equipment and my skimmer cup cannot be removed From under the stand as its to big. I can however take the cup and turn it 360 degrees under the tank. My question is can I still perform maintainence on the skimmer without the ability to fully remove the cup from under the tank? I figure as long as I can still empty it and wipe it down under the stand I should be ok right?

[R.W.]

I would build a new stand. It will save you many headaches down the road. Can you get the whole skimmer out? Solving this issue before filling will be much easier!

[TheFishTeen]

Which model is it? Can it be ran externally? This is a common mistake, so don't feel too bad.

[rwb500]

before you build a stand you should just see if there is any skimmer that will fit. i dont really understand the situation, but you should be able to remove ALL equipment from the sump while it is in the stand. nothing should be stuck in there.

also, maybe a shallower sump will solve your problem.

[dom418]

It's a reef octopus xs200 so it can only run internally. The stand is a store bought one for 125g. My skimmer is 22" in diameter so no matter how high my sump it would be difficult to completely remove from under the tank. I guess I can move the sump outside the stand. What circumstances would require me to completely remove the skimmer? I can still reach in there to clean it

[wildman926]

Originally Posted by dom418

What circumstances would require me to completely remove the skimmer? I can still reach in there to clean it

You will need to clean the cup weekly, including the neck to the body, for best and consistant performance. I use a baby bottle brush to do both, which helps tremendously. Other than that, an annual cleaning of the entire skimmer will not hurt. Pump can go every 6 months, at least for me.

I also dip the air intake tube in the sump momentarily to ensure there is no salt creep.

[Donkeykong]

If there is ever an issue with the skimmer and or pump it will have to be removed to address it. Obviously if you got it in there you will be able to get it out, but if you had to set it in the sump and then slide the whole thing in , you will have to remove the entire sump if you ever need to get it out. I do not for see this happening on a regular basis just remember that it can happen. But I really have a problem with the Idea that you dont have room to remove the cup yet you think you will have room to clean it? This model states it only needs 1/2 inch to remove the cup, if you dont have that how do you plan on getting your hands in there to thoroughly clean the cup and neck.

[LoJack]

Not to mention the xs200 has vent holes in the top of the cup that will damage the stand if its that close. Or in the event of an overflow. I found this out the hard way as I have the same skimmer, and only have 2 inches between the top of the collection cup, and the bottom of the stand ... and already I have moisture affecting the stand. I had to install a piece of plexi to prevent the moisture from damaging the wood.

[fishgate]

I had this same issue and ended up getting another skimmer.

[bongarone]

Cleanup the cup thoroughly is crucial to skimmer performance. Sludge builds up in the neck and decreases skimming ability, and you really don't want that sludge to go back into your water.

You'll need to rectify the situation one way or another. Is the stand worth keeping? Cost wise, you may be ahead in buying a new stand rather than a new skimmer.

[tkeracer619]

Post pics.

Need to see if there is an easy solution. Probably is but I need to see pics before suggesting anything.

[spoonman1979]

I have this skimmer on my 120. My setup allows only for the 1/2" necessary for the cup to be removed. This is a necessary procedure since the neck which needs to be cleaned weekly comes off with the cup. To remove the skimmer itself I have to disconnect the pump and remove all the filter socks, reactors, and everything else in the sump. Awesome skimmer though!

[dom418]

No I can get the cup off the skimmer body. I can empty it as well, access the pump etc. I just can't physically remove the cup from under the tank to let's say rinse it under the faucet. Basically I can do any maintainence it just has to be while working under the stand. I know it's not ideal but as long as I can clean the cup and body I should never have to remove the skimmer from under my stand unless it breaks or something. Idk I'll have to test it out and see

[wildman926]

Originally Posted by dom418

physically remove the cup from under the tank to let's say rinse it under the faucet

This is part of my weekly maintenance.

Where would you put all of the crud from the skimmer from cleaning it? Back into the sump?

[jerpa]

I think long term this will prove to be a major PITA. It would be easier to do something about the stand now IMO. Personally this is something that would drive me to cut a hole in the floor for the next upgrade....

[dom418]

Ok will do guys I will make it work! Thanks for the advice. I'll move the sump outside the stand then.

[moondoggy4]

Post pictures of the bottom of the stand?