With the skim cup removed and then replaced once return pipe is in the sump, I can get my SWC/OCT skimmer under the stand of my 72 bowfront. My concern is there is no head room to put it up on blocks and the return pipe of this recirculating skimmer will be below water level of my sump. They claim it can run in or out of the sump but I have no room in the sump for it so it has to set outside with just the return pipe in.

Will it funtion this way? Not elevated?

If this thing leaks I will be in real trouble as I just have access to remove the skim cup and lid to service and the flow adjustment.