Will a protein skimmer fit???

[gemini9]

I was looking at some skimmers and even posted a poll between a bakpak and a octopus. Somebody suggested a Aquamaxx. After looking between the 3, I came to realize something extremely important and asked myself: "Will it fit?" The thing is, I've only got about 3 inches of clearance between the back of my tank and the wall. When I first set it up IO never thought that oneday, I may need a little more space back there. I've noticed that these skimmers have their dimensions listed. Usually from 3 inches to 3.5 inches to 4 inches. The dimensions listed, the 3 inches, is that the total width of the setup or is that the actual clearance required on the back of the tank for room to hang the thing? I don't want to buy one of these and have to send it back because it didn't fit. I thought about sitting it on the side, but because of my Aquarium hood/cover, well, that wouldn't work. I'm in a nitrate battle here so I need to get some kinda skimmer.

30 gallon tank. No sump.

 

[booth2010]

Situations like these are where sumps come in handy lol. Honestly I would say the only good options would be to find one that has dimensions that should fit then order and hope it does. If not then return it. If at all possible you could try to add a sump if there room/money to do so.

 

[gemini9]

No room. No money. Lol!

 

[booth2010]

Well dang. Unless there are skimmers that can be out of water and have tubes brining in and returning water you might have to try your luck at a hob with small dimensions.

 

[mbd521]

Next time you do a water change do a larger change and have some forms over to help move the stand and tank... just an idea...

 

[gemini9]

Ive got shims under the tank because my floor wasnt level. Might be a challenge trying to move it. Oh, btw. No money, no room, and no friends! Well, none that would bother with helping me with it anyway. Lol wow im in bad shape eh?

 

[gemini9]

Its also on carpet so will be hard to just slide

 

[mbd521]

I think you would easily be able to move your tank the 1.5 to 2.5 inches that you would need if you did around a 50% water change... water weighs around 8 lbs per gal so your 30 gal tank (theoretically) weighs 240 lbs... but if you did a 50% water change the water weight would be around 120 lbs... of course you probably have about 60lbs of sand and rock in it so your looking around 180 lbs of tank.. add that to your stand you might be back up to 240 lbs total( +/- 20 lbs)...I seriously think you could move it by yourself.. I used to move my 29 gal by myself all the time(and trust me I'm no he-man)... I'd take it off the stand set it on the floor.. move the stand the put the tank back on... I know a 29 had easier dimensions to manipulate though. I'm really only suggesting this because I do think the skimmer is very important. Best of luck!!

 

[jdl513]

Just my opinion here, but if it were me I would move the display.

Assuming you don't have any major physical limitations I would suggest transferring as much water as I could to a holding container or containers to reduce weight.
Maybe even move some of the bigger pieces of rock if necessary to the containers too.

I would then nudge one side then the other side of the display till I had it where I wanted it.
Finally I would reset the shims until level then transfer the water back into the display.

The livestock would be fine for the short amount of time this would take and a better skimmer will pay off in the long run.

 

[Dalmatia]

Hahaha i had the same thing happen to me starting off, I had to move my 75g with 160lbs of LR 5" back from the wall!!!! I feel for you bro.
Is your tank on a carpet? If it is good luck and best wishes. I had hardwood so I did exactly what other people are telling you to do, water change,,, empty your tank and then slide it. Worked for me

 

[gemini9]

Mine is on carpet. Thick carpet. With shims on one side to level the tank ; (

 

[booth2010]

Go to lowes or HD but 6 5 gal buckets take as much water as possible out put livestock in buckets take out rocks if need be then move it all. That would lower the weight to least amount possible and just having livestock out for 10-15 mins they should be fine, scared and maybe a little stressed but otherwise fine

 

[booth2010]

The buckets will probably be around 20-25$ so not too bad, plus in this hobby you can't ever have too many 5 gallon buckets

 

[gemini9]

No livestock yet. Im in the middle if a nitrate battle which is why I want a skimmer

 

[booth2010]

Oh well that's even better just throw it all in 5 gallon buckets and move it from wall. It'll take an hour tops