Plumbing an internal skimmer externally

[Ilsimen]

Here's my problem, I have a Reef Octopus Classic 200INT 8” Internal Protein Skimmer and the RedFlex 4in1 200 sump. The skimmer is a few inches too big for the sump, not to mention the sheer massiveness of the skimmer taking up so much room even if it could fit. My question is whether or not its possible to plumb the skimmer as an external unit?

Also, returning the skimmer or sump is not an option as even though they are both unused, I actually bought the skimmer in 2014 and the sump in 2023 so they are out of return date, so if I can't make this skimmer work, I'm either going to have to replace the skimmer or the sump and try to get rid of what I have on marketplace (I'm in the middle of nowhere Nebraska so finding someone on FB to sell to won't be easy).

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[griss]

Can you post some pics of the skimmer from all sides? I’ve never had an Octopus skimmer.

 

[wvned]

An 8 inch skimmer is a really big one. I would offer to trade even with someone for a model you want. You may have to mail it.
That is for a 250 gallon tank
The bodies aren't sealed on the bottom and the plumbing is just friction fit. Could you make it external, probably with some fiddeling.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Doubtful on externally without mods.

 

[wvned]

External skimmers cost more because they are sealed like plumbing. Most are recirculating as well. The pump just takes water from inside and adds the air and put it back in. You feed them straight from the overflow with gravity or with another pump.