help with sump...

[c_scherer123]

I had ordered my tank, metal stand, and sump (sight unseen). They came in and I find that the sump seems too high, I only have 8.5" clearance between top of the sump and bottom of the tank. I will have (just) enough room to remove the skimmer cup, but I am about .5" short of room to get the entire skimmer in/out for a cleaning.

The sump glass is an odd thin, dark glass I have never seen before - is it a different kind of glass?

Nothing is set up yet so I am hoping someone has a brilliant idea that I am just too tired to see...