Skimmer issues

Ok, so I'm attempting to hook up my skimmer to my new 40g breeder setup. I bought a lightly used Reef Octopus Recirculating skimmer meant for 125 gallons originally planning on keeping it in the sump. Unfortunately, the dimmensions lied to me and it is longer by about half an inch and won't fit in my sump. So I've been trying to hook it up behind the sump. But, despite saying its is internal or external, the recirculating pump leaks. And not from any of the joints but from the bulk of the pump that I have no idea how to seal it. So, any suggestions there would be good.
Also, now its not working. Before I realized the leaking problem, it recirculated perfectly, making awesome microbubbles in the main chamber. Now, however, it only makes big gluggy bubbles. So, any suggestions on why this would be?
I am so FREAKING frustrated and put out by this stupid skimmer. I've heard so many good things about this skimmer and my HOB reef octopus is amazing. Luckily I have that, so until I figure something out, at least I'll have the chunky HOB.
Does anybody have any suggestions on how to 1) fix the bubble problem and 2) maybe stop the leaking? If not stop the leaking, how could I replumb the pump to chamber? That way I could maybe keep the pump in or above the sump so it can safely drip all it wants. I would REALLY rather find some way to fix and rig this skimmer somehow than have to buy a new skimmer. However, if getting a new and reliable skimmer is my best bet, I will do that after my bank account stops crying.
Oh, and another thought, would it be hard to rig my HOB to be able to reach down into the sump? Maybe that would work too..
Either way, there's my frustrated rant and desperate plee for help. Please, anything you have to say would be AWESOME!!!
Thanks,
Kylie

 

Haha I was planning on going to him if nobody had any ideas on here. Andy doesn't work until Thursday though and I was trying to get it hooked up sooner. I'll go take a picture real quick and post it.

 

So, these are really bad pictures because my camera really sucks and the pump is still encrusted with old dead coraline from the previous owner. Anyway, they are both the "bottom" side of the pump. There aren't really any spots that can be tightened or anything but water drips from inside the pump somewhere.

 

FishBrain I'll definitely sell you this one if I end up getting a new skimmer. Give me a few days to see if any of the guys can help me out with it. I'm not sure how pumps go together/come apart so I'd feel safer having one of them show me how the first time through. If they can clean it, and get the dripping to stop, then I have no problem with it sitting behind the tank. I've already rigged the return pipe to work that way. If not, I'll sell this one and get another. I'd like to keep the HOB though as a backup in case the recirculating (or any future skimmer) kicks the bucket. Thanks for all of your suggestions! I'll see what I can do with them and keep you posted.

 

Yay! We found the problem! For the bubble issue, turns out I was being dumb and didn't realize if I was running the skimmer in freshwater in my sink that it wouldn't make microbubbles. So in that respect, the pump isn't broken at all. As for the leaking, Elliot took it apart and found that the gasket sealing the pinwheel chamber is old and not working as well as it should. I'm going to contact Reef Octopus and get a replacement for both of my skimmers. That should fix my leaking problem and I should be ready to go /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif YAY!!!