question on installing protein skimmer? modification needed?

[Midnight Tboy]

heya,

I finally took the plunge and ordered this fish tank (215litres) (so 55US gallons or 47 UK), http://www.aquaone.com.au/curvedglas...620_ar980).htm Model AR-980 at the bottom which was a good size and a pretty deep cabinet, with rounded glass instead of joins for nice viewing, great value for the price, £275 with free added heater. Just awaiting a week for delivery of the item

Now, I'm 100% certain that I WANT to put marine fish in it, though if I end up deeming it as beyond me then I'll opt for tropical for a while, I'm not so sure. The main thing I'm not sure about is the protein skimmer. Am I right in thinking that these hang off the back of the tank and not actually inside it? (well apart from a pipe or whatever). But what I was wondering mainly was how I'd go about attaching it.

That 980 tank has 3 rows of lights on the front half of the main lid, then at the back running all the way across is a built in trickle filter system. Now, I know that if I do go marine then I won't need to use that filter, but what would I need to do in order to attach the protein skimmer? Would I have to completely remove that filter, or just leave it in but switched off? I'm guessing that in order to install the skimmer then it may be a case of having to cut into the lid (or even the glass?) in order to get the system connected up properly? would this be unsightly or all hidden out of the way? It was a garden centre where I managed to find the tank, and the man wasn't sure about skimmers and the 'experts' were off, but he seemed to think it may involve adding a perspex sheet or something like that in order to have it fitted - sounds a bit of a nightmare...or is there an easy way? it'd be nice to just be able to slap one in and have it barely noticeable


cheers,
Tuck

[sere]

Hmm having a hard time picturing your setup especially the built in trickle filter, but if you can remove it then you can get a hang on protien skimmer such as the remora brand and add some live rock and you will have all the filters you need.
Jerod

[Midnight Tboy]

thanks for the reply -

however, in the end I cancelled the order (phew! close friend to one of the guys there so was no problem ) Oddly the website describes that tank as being curved glass...on inspection tho its definately some sort of plastic or acrylic or something - but it seemed a bit too much hassle

I've currently got my eye on one of these systems... http://www.aqua-medic.de/cgi-bin/php...t_id=1&lang=en do you know anything about it? Aqua Medic Percula 120 - ok so its going to cost me a lot more money £1123 I can get it for, but it includes metal halides and built in skimmer etc so I can add a lot more, and look at getting some corals and anenomes now