Waterbox peninsula mini 25 skimmer

[reef.geek]

Hey everyone,
I recently upgraded my setup to the Waterbox Peninsula Mini 25 and I have a custom made glass lid, so the only place I can mount a protein skimmer is in the back filter / sponge compartment. The rest of the lid/top is closed off, so options like hang-on or top-mount won’t work for me.
I’d love advice from anyone who has done this successfully on this/other tanks..

List of questions:
Which models have you used that physically fit inside the back (filter sponge / filter sock) chamber of a Peninsula Mini or similar dimension tank?

What are the base widths, depths, height of skimmer bodies + collection cup needed so it fits without knocking plumbing, hoses, or overflow?
Noise/practical usage: do silent/quiet DC nano skimmers work well in that tight space, or do they struggle?

What media are people running in their Waterbox Peninsula (or similar filter compartments)? Sponges, filter socks, carbon, GFO, bio-balls, ceramic rings, etc.
Has anyone found a good way to cover the back filter sponge compartment?
I’m worried dust and kitchen oils might be settling in there, since I’ve noticed a light surface film forming on my display.

 

[Rocks reef]

Have you looked at the Nano Mats? The company specifically makes nano equipment for smaller tanks.

 

[JayM]

Can we get the "emergency" tag removed?

 

[reef.geek]

Can we get the "emergency" tag removed?

Emergency was added by mistake, requested for removal

 

[Aaron75]

I ran a 3d printed filter floss holder with floss in chamber one and an IOAOI Protein skimmer in chamber 2 with some rock rubble.

 

[jay1976]

Bable magus qq2 nano skimmer fits perfectly in that tank and very easy to setup and get skimming

 

[jay1976]

Also I use 3d printed covers for those back sections ,works great

 

[kris_ch]

I have the exact same tank. I have a Fleece roller in chamber 1 and Bable magus qq2, with three maxspect nano tech bio-block and some live rock in chamber 2. I only have goniopora, some gsp, mushroom and clove polyp, along with a puffer and a goby in my tank, bioload isn't exactly too high. I feed my fishes frozen food daily and corals goniopower every several days. I have been struggling with keeping no3 levels from bottoming out with the skimmer present.

In my opinion you may get away without using a skimmer if you have similar bioload. My corals do better without it now. I do a 10% water change every two weeks now.

 

[Indiana Reefin]

Before you invest in a skimmer, why are needing a skimmer? Are your nutrients high? Skimmers for smaller reefs can be more problematic then they are worth. I have been in your shoes and have had skimmers in nanos and I have always had more success when I ran without a skimmer.