Skimmer options...

[Euclid]

I'm having a hell of a time finding a skimmer that will work in my tank.
I've got a Tenecor 55g that has a built in filtration system and there isn't very much room to work with. I don't want to resort to an air-driven skimming system because, well, they suck.

Here is a picture of what the back of my tank looks like:
http://www.aquamazing.com/large-aquariums/large-aquarium-pictures/DSC01896.JPG

That area on the far right is about the only place that I have to fit a skimmer...

http://i10.tinypic.com/35ispzd.jpg

In this top-view diagram, the yellow area is the area that I need to fit a skimmer in. Is there any way to seperate a skimmer and it's pump? I'm not too familiar with the mechanics of how skimmers work so I don't know how much jerryrigging I could really do.

Do any of you guys have any kinds of suggestions for me? Is there some kind of product out there that I'm missing? I'd really appreciate any comments or reccomendations that I could get.

Thanks!! :D

[BIGBIRD123]

You might try a HOB skimmer and let it overflow into that space.

Steve

[Euclid]

The back of my tank is about 1/2" from the wall. :(

[pickle311]

I would drill a hole in the back and install a bulkhead so that you can run an external skimmer

[Euclid]

I'm trying to find some kind of alternative to drilling the tank. If worse comes to worse, I'll probably set up a wet/dry sump/fuge underneath it.

[caferacermike]

I saw the tank in person and had offered Cody my Aquac remora skimmer to try on his tank after describing it to me. If the tank was pulled from the wall about 4" it would have worked. The pump would have to sit in aonther chamber and the water would exit into another chamber in the back of that set up. I also offered to drill 2 holes in the bottom for suction and return lines but there is a small wood brace where the holes would be drilled. Cody does not want to drain the tank to move it or to move the brace down a bit and drill the tank as he is getting a sweet deal on some fish tomorrow. We were hoping to find an old sea clone to try out. Anyone have an old one that is in hiding that we could try? I realize that they aren't the best skimmer but any skimmer is better than no skimmer.

[Euclid]

Yeah, like Mike said there is a place to drill some holes, but we'd have to cut out a chunk of the stand as well. I think I'd like my tank to keep her virginity for now, so the search continues. I think a SeaClone would work, or something else similarly sized. Any other reccomendations?

[RNall]

I do not know where your tank is positioned but would this work/be hidden if it's in a corner or something?

How about a HOS CPR Bak-Pak or something similar. You know H-O-S....Hang On the Side?

Could you use a tiny overflow for skimming purposes only?

[TexasTodd]

GIT rid of them bio balls. ;) Might make some more room. :)

A Remora Pro is actually a pretty decent skimmer IMO if you upgrade to a mag3 or 5. I ran a really nice 92 gallon with a 40 gallon--water volume, sump on a Remora Pro with Mag5.

TT

[Euclid]

GIT rid of them bio balls. ;) Might make some more room. :)

A Remora Pro is actually a pretty decent skimmer IMO if you upgrade to a mag3 or 5. I ran a really nice 92 gallon with a 40 gallon--water volume, sump on a Remora Pro with Mag5.

TT

Are you suggesting that I should just take the bioballs out alltogether? I've got 80 pounds or so of LR running. I was planning on replacing the balls with live rubble.

[hobogato]

rubble would be better in my opinion. if you could leave one of those bioball sections empty, i might be able to design a square mini beckett skimmer that would work - of coarse i would be using you as a guinea pig ;)

[Bill S]

Hey, I have some Ace "guinea pig" items!

[Euclid]

My tank only only has 2 sections of bioballs, not 3 like the picture above.
I can't really use a HOB filter because my tank is up against the wall and my canopy goes all the way around the tank.

http://i9.tinypic.com/4cu9evk.jpg
http://i10.tinypic.com/44vxxqb.jpg

[TexasTodd]

Yes, bioballs aren't all that good. Rubble would be better.

Bioballs are really best for quieting water.

Could you hand a hang on in the back area on the inside back (internal) wall of the tank?

Todd

[Euclid]

I suppose I could, but if you see that center brace in the middle of the top of the tank is inhibiting my options quite a bit.

[Euclid]

So now I'm on the lookout for a skimmer with a diameter of <3.5"
Anybody have anything that they could let go?

[TexasTodd]

Ah, always look at the bright side. You can upgrade to a bigger tank!

:)

Todd

[apedroza]

Have you looked into the TUNZE nanoDOC skimmer?? There actually pretty small I think the dimensions are like 4.9" L x 2.1" W x 13.3" H.

[Euclid]

I don't think that nanoDOC will be enough for this large of a tank.
Anybody have any other idears?

[hobogato]

what about a skimmer that sat beside the tank on the left that had its feed pump in part of the back section
and then drained back into the back section?

[hobogato]

i was just thinking something like the one i made for jimd only smaller. only about 10" above the top of the tank, and it could sit on a small sede table or a shelf that extends out from your stand. just brainstorming ;)

[Euclid]

there's about 5" between the top of the tank and the top of the stand, you think we could fit something in there?

[hobogato]

top of the stand or top of the canopy?

just gimme a call later tonight and we'll discuss it. 2108466784

[Ram_Puppy]

If your unwilling to pull the tank away from the wall, and the canopy inhibits the use of a HOB, I don't see that you have any option BUT to drill it.