Short stand, what would you do?

Well, I have been looking around for Protein Skimmer, and finally got what I like. But unfortunately, I also found out that the stand is very short. Its about 25 inches. The skimmer would make it, but it would be really tight, and I doubt if I take it in and out. So these are my options:

1) Since it's a fish tank room anyways, I can set the sump besides the tank.

2) Get an external protein skimmer.

What would you do? Or if there is any other suggestion, that would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

If the cabinet is hidden and only the display is seen - put the sump outside the stand (in fish room?). If tank/cabinet are free standing, return your skimmer and buy a shorter model.

 

SOrry, for some reason, I am not understanding what you are saying ;D sorry. And I have not yet purchased the skimmer, It's just the plan. My stand is the regular black stand.

 

Finding a skimmer that will fit would be your best bet, but you could add a collection cup drain that will allow you to drain the skimmate from the cup, altho you'd still want to clean it every so often.

You could also go with an external skimmer, where all you have in the sump is the feed pump and a return line from the skimmer.

This skimmer actually sits on top of the sump in this setup:

 

He's saying if the stand is in the fish room, why not just move the sump out of the stand.. You'll just have to redo the plumbing

 

Thanks LionFIsh, well, as far as the skimmer that fit, I really think there won't be any. The shortest I found around 24-25", and that's difficult enough to get the skimmate cup in and out - let along the whole skimmer. So either, external skimmer, and sump is inside. Or internal sump, and sump is outside. I just don't know which is better.

Yup, that's one of the option, the whole sump system is besides the DT. But I just feel like, if only the skimmer that is outside, it might look better.

 

How much water volume?
I have experience with a lot of skimmers in the 18" tall range lately.

 

180g DT and 60g sump.