sump closeup

That skimmer sucks you will find out. I would get a new skimmer and run your drain hose into the filter sock where there skimmer discharges. 180 degree turn of that sump puts sock holder in the back. Removing the useless angled baffle in the sump will let you have a bigger nicer skimmer.

I hear ya Lawnman.... I plan on fixing things up, just want to transfer things over from the Biocube and then i'll formulate a plan to change the skimmer and organize a bit. I still have your thread saved. Thanks for chiming in!

Didn't mean to come off rude. Was just passing along my experience. If I can help shoot me a PM.

It didn't, and I appreciate you passing along your experience with the mini.

Did you add those to brackets to the top of the stand?

No, previous owner added them. He added to the top sides and bottom. Stand has a very solid feel to it.