Help! Rethinking sump

So I have a new 29gal from Petco, thank you $1/gal sale!, that I planned on usign as a sump. Problem is its taller in my stand than I thought and makes removing the protein skimmer a chore. Removing the collection cup isnt a problem, but removing t he whole thing is. The skimmer needs to be turned upside down twisted around and brought out pump first.

Im thinking for future maintenance this is going to be a nightmare and make me dread cleaning the skimmer.

How important is it to be able to remove the whole skimmer easily? Should I just get a regular 20gal long for the sump and use the 29 as a QT?

Also if I use a 20gal on a 90gal DT, is that to small to really be worth much in terms of a refugium?

 

how big is your stand? Can you fit a 30 long?

 

I could but then I'd have no room to make a separate electrical area in the stand.

 

Thats really a question only you can answer. How important is being able to remove the skimmer easily? Does it take significantly more time than you can spare or feel is justified? Is it more of a pain in the ass or a time consumer?

Another question only you can answer. Some people have HOB 5 gallon refugiums on 50 g tanks.. and to them, this is not too small. Ofcourse bigger is always better so even if 40 is better than 20. 20 is better than.5. If it where me, I would make this a temporary set up and give it a chance for awhile. check your levels and journal any other goals you have for your fuge.....wait a month or 2 and check your phosphate, nitrate levels and other goals again . If your tank likes the results and you find the skimmer to not be a headache.. then keep the set up!.

 

Is the dollar days still available? another option would returning the 20 and getting a couple 10gs. 1 for your fuge, 1 for you skimmer..? Wheres are your room at if you have no room for a 30 under 90? how much equipment you have?

 

I can fit a 36 inch tank easily under the stand, Because of the supports a 48 inch tank would not fit, but I wanted to stick with something smaller so I can put a board in there to make a small separate compartment for all the electrical and some basic fish supplies like food and testing equipment.

The 29 gal is great just a little to talk to make cleaning easy. The dollar a gal sale is at pet smart now and not petco so I was thinking of getting a 20gal instead.

 

if you can fit a 36" tank can you make a 40 breeder work?

 

I could but then I have no room for any electrical or supplies. I was going that route at one point but then realized I want room under there for extra stuff

 

you could always build a custom stand

 

Already am the structural part is built to hold an elephant with 2 coats of oil primer and 2 coats of enamel spray paint plus silicone caulking around the base the might the wood water tight lol. Already have at least a couple hundred sunk into it so starting over isn't an option