thanks everyone, its coming along pretty well I think. Here's a more recent shot (I have since cleaned the back wall and powerheads):
AquaMaxx is one of the better brands. If I remember correctly, their design was basically from the Warner Marine HOBs that were discontinued, which were also good skimmers.
Yeah, I've been doing some reading and it seems like the issue is due to my use of Aquastik epoxy in building my rock column; not the skimmer. I'll do another w/c this weekend when I get the chance and try the skimmer again.
How deep? Have a 60gal tall and I wish I had got a short tank. Hard to reach bottom. Get a foot stool....
30" tall/deep (20"x18"x30" total). Definately a little inconvenient but it looks awesome to me. I'm obsessed with bichirs so all of my tanks previously have been about maximizing the footprint - its kinda nice to look at totally different tank now. I do have to break out the stepstool pretty much anytime I mess with the tank though and I'm 6'1
Finally, is this the dreaded aiptasia?
It doesn't quite match the pics I've found online, but I dunno what else it could be.