Modify collection cup on reef octo classic 90

[JAWSIII]

Reaching out to see if anyone has done this or tried it. So I recently installed a DIY sump in the cabinet of my 65 DT. Previously my main filtration were HOB One of the 2 main reasons I wanted a sump was to clean up the DT. I thought I had taken into account everything in order to make sure the clsssic 90 would sit in the new sump. And it all worked dry fit out of the cabinet but I didn’t account for the height and the space to the cabinet top So I’m about 1/2 to long and need to either shave 1/2 inch out of the cabinet brace or try to cut the collection cup down by 1/2 inch.
I’m not crazy about the idea of cutting into the cabinet simply because it’s holding a lot of weight and I don’t want to mess with integrity. However I’ve also never try to cut down around acrylic cup either and I’m not sure if it will mess with the performance of the skimmer.



Anyone have ideas or have cut a slimmer cup before??

 

[Garf]

I would buy an internal skimmer but if your definitely keeping the hang on, can you not just put it at the front of the sump?

 

[JAWSIII]

I would buy an internal skimmer but if your definitely keeping the hang on, can you not just put it at the front of the sump?

No. No room at all in the front. Has to go in back. Internal would be the most ideal but this HOB is only 5 months old and it works great and I already own it. Trying to save as much $$ as I can.

 

[Garf]

Dunno how the cup comes off these, but have you accounted for lifting the cup off, or getting the whole unit out, to clean it, replace it? If your sump level rises (return pump failure), your skimmer will be chucking water down the back of your sump.

 

[JAWSIII]

Dunno how the cup comes off these, but have you accounted for lifting the cup off, or getting the whole unit out, to clean it, replace it? If your sump level rises (return pump failure), your skimmer will be chucking water down the back of your sump.

Yes when shortened by 1/2 inch I would have enough room for emptying and cleaning or removing. My water level is set higher than normal by design and custom baffles. Even if return pump fails water level will stay the same. I designed it that way.