finally committed

[LisaD]

other complications

other complications

you know what they say about *assume*, and "measure twice, cut once" and all. not a very happy camper right now at 3:30 am. I don't have enough room between sump and top of stand to get the skimmer in the sump!

Theoretically, I might have just enough room if I go in from the side where the return pump is, then scooch it over the sump wall, but there is a brace in the way. I suppose I'll have to drain the sump, disconnect it and move it forward to clear the brace. Even then, I'm not sure I can make it. I can't pull out the sump without taking down the whole tank and moving it off the stand. If I moved the tank, I could drop the skimmer in the sump, easy. But the tank is full of fish, rocks and sand, so I prefer NOT to have to drain and move it.

I need to start over when rested so I don't screw this up. Any advice? I have a 210 AGA stand - only 26" clearance between floor of stand and top of tank. The sump is 36 x 15 x 16.25"H. Once the skimmer is in the sump, it should fit fine. Aaaarrrghhh!!!!

 

[T-T-Trigger]

kinda one of those things you have to see in person to figure out. sorry, bummer I made a similar mistake recently.


all i can think of is to tilt the sump up on the opposite side - if its only 16" that gives almost 10" clearance - a minor tilt should give you at least a little more. how close is it?

 

[limitdown]

Show us some pics of it in action

 

[LisaD]

no action yet, gotta fit it into the sump!

thanks T-T-Trigger, I'll try the tilt. I think I need to drain the sump, pull it forward to clear the overhead brace, then tilt. it would be very close if not for the brace which causes me to lose another inch or so.

 

[Mike5252]

Pic request!

 

[saltyESQ]

can you drop/take out the bottom board in your stand? might get a few extra inches...

 

[JustinReef]

Any chance of getting a pic to see what you mean exactly? Its hard to help without seeing...

I really hope you get it in there soon though.

 

[StayPuft]

Sorry about your troubles. I have an AGA stand too, so I know how tight they can be. Now here's a question... once you get the skimmer installed, will you have enough space to pull out the collection cup and be able to clean the skimmer body from time to time? I know collection cups need a little overhead clearance, as they pull up, then slide off. Just something to think about before you drain the sump and put in the skimmer.

 

[LisaD]

once you get the skimmer installed, will you have enough space to pull out the collection cup and be able to clean the skimmer body from time to time?

Staypuft, I have the skimmer in the cabinet (next to the return pump). There is ample space to get the collection cup off, the challenge is clearing the side of the sump to get it in the chamber. The skimmer will fit the chamber.

Any chance of getting a pic to see what you mean exactly?

Justin, I'll try. I'm not much of a photographer. After work today, or sometime over the weekend... Kids go back to school Monday, and of course I have procrastinated on back to school shopping.

can you drop/take out the bottom board in your stand? might get a few extra inches...

SaltyEsq, I could try it, I suppose, but I wonder if it will affect structural integrity of the stand. The thing is pretty flimsy to start with, considering the weight it holds. I also think that would be more work than draining the sump, pushing it past the obstructing brace, and tilting a bit to make more room.

Thanks for the support and suggestions, everyone, will provide an update by the weekend.

 

[Mike5252]

Can any part of the skimmer be taken apart and then re-assembled once in the cabinet?

 

[LisaD]

Unfortunately, other than the collection cup, pumps and a few doo-dads it can't. Here's a link to an image:

http://www.zoocentras.lt/images/ATI-Bubble-Master-250.jpg