Coralife Compatible Hood/Canopy

I have a question for those of you that use a Coralife Skimmer or similar type of skimmer as a hang on to your tank.

What do you do about your putting a lid to cover the top of tank? Mine's will not fit with this skimmer hanging on the back and I got to think most skimmers with a similar design will cause similar issues. The elbow tubes are just a tad bit too long. When I bought this thing I didn't really get a grasp on the size of this sucka until I open got it home and opened up the box. It sticks up height-wise a lot higher than I expected. Not the prettiest thing I've seen, but I can live with it.

I know, I know, some of you will say that's why you should have a sump, but with the design of my stand a sump is not a option. Nor do I wan't one (I had a bad experience with a sump on freshwater about a year ago ). My tank is only 29 gallons and it measures 30"W x 18" H x 12"D - btw.

 

That's what I was afraid of.

 

I second that. That was what I had to do on my 65G. It was either that, or the canopy barely rests on the braces that sit of the edge of the tank. Make sure you cut a whole large enough to compensate for the collection cup when you lift the canopy lid. I had to do mine twice because I neglected that aspect, doh!