Sump Modification

[jrlmsla]

I recently picked up an ADHI sump that measures 30” wide x 18” high x 14” wide. The water level in the drain inlet area (where I plan on placing my skimmer), and the following section (refugium) have a set water level of 12.5”.
I have a Quantum 120 skimmer which requires 8” set water level.
I know the best idea would be to raise the skimmer so it is in 8” water at the 12.5” level by placing it on egg crates etc.
My problem is that I have limited vertical space and if the skimmer is placed on the sump floor, it barely leaves me enough room to remove the cup and clean it.
Would there be any problem that I can’t see, in dropping the water level to 8 inches by cutting the baffles lower? I have worked out the loss of water volume would be just over 2 gallons, which to me seems nominal.

 

[Larry L]

Before I would modify the sump I might just give it a try and see how the skimmer does with things as-is, and/or maybe with a short platform that still fits ok under your stand.

There's a Bulk Reef Supply video out there where they tried to figure out the sweet spot for depth for some different kinds of skimmers, and while there's definitely a sweet spot, from what I remember for a lot of the skimmers there wasn't actually all that much difference in air draw over the whole range of depths they tested.

 

[jrlmsla]

Thanks for the reply. I’ll give it a shot. I also realized that I can cut the bottom of the cabinet out (without telling my wife first...easier forgiveness than permission in this case) which will give me 4.5” extra clearance.