Should I Keep My Tunze Skimmer?

happyclam · 10/01/2011, 04:49 PM

Should I keep my current Tunze 9010 skimmer, or look for a new skimmer (maybe an Octopus)?

I have a 135 gallon reef tank with some soft corals, a few LPS, and A LOT of algae. This tank as always had algae problems, ever since the beginning. I know a lot of it is my fault with infrequent water changes, but could it also be the skimmer is just not cutting it? I have been using 0 TDS RO/DI water and GFO in a media reactor, but I always have algae issues.

Right now, the skimmer only pulls out ~100 mL of skimmate a week. Is that normal for a tank with a pretty bad algae bloom?

So what is your opinion: stick with the Tunze or go for a different skimmer?

snorvich · 10/01/2011, 06:28 PM

What is the suggested water level for that skimmer?

happyclam · 10/02/2011, 06:14 AM

if I remember correctly, 4"-11". I am running the skimmer using the in-sump components, in which water level is not a critical component, as the discharge pipe keeps a stable water level inside the skimmer.

Am I just overreacting, and is 100mL what I should expect to get from any skimmer on my system? This is the only protein skimmer I have used, so I am not sure what standard operation for a skimmer is supposed to be.

Livestock:
120# LR
2x diamond gobies
1x yellow tang
3x chromis
2x clownfish
several snails and hermits (could use a few more)

Bello · 10/02/2011, 11:07 AM

I don't like saying anything negative.... but the 9010 is really rubbish.

Its better than not running a skimmer at all..... but that really isn't saying much.

It has been by far, the worst skimmer I've ever owned. I'd recommend going in for a Reef Octopus etc.

lordofthereef · 10/02/2011, 11:11 AM

Unless the skimmer is a recirc, water level is critical just based on head pressure. I am not familiar with that specific skimmer, but most skimmers have a ~8.5-9" sweet spot.

happyclam · 10/02/2011, 02:39 PM

Currently running skimmer at 10". It used to be at 9" but there was no difference.

I know Tunze is a great company, but I am wondering if their style of skimmers are a bit antiquated. I'm wondering if my skimmer is actually performing correctly, and that is all the skimmers can do and it is undersized for my system.

10/01/2011, 04:49 PM	#1
happyclam Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,012	Should I Keep My Tunze Skimmer? Should I keep my current Tunze 9010 skimmer, or look for a new skimmer (maybe an Octopus)? I have a 135 gallon reef tank with some soft corals, a few LPS, and A LOT of algae. This tank as always had algae problems, ever since the beginning. I know a lot of it is my fault with infrequent water changes, but could it also be the skimmer is just not cutting it? I have been using 0 TDS RO/DI water and GFO in a media reactor, but I always have algae issues. Right now, the skimmer only pulls out ~100 mL of skimmate a week. Is that normal for a tank with a pretty bad algae bloom? So what is your opinion: stick with the Tunze or go for a different skimmer?

10/01/2011, 06:28 PM	#2
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	What is the suggested water level for that skimmer? __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~

10/02/2011, 11:11 AM	#5
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Unless the skimmer is a recirc, water level is critical just based on head pressure. I am not familiar with that specific skimmer, but most skimmers have a ~8.5-9" sweet spot. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

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10/02/2011, 06:14 AM	#3
happyclam Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,012	if I remember correctly, 4"-11". I am running the skimmer using the in-sump components, in which water level is not a critical component, as the discharge pipe keeps a stable water level inside the skimmer. Am I just overreacting, and is 100mL what I should expect to get from any skimmer on my system? This is the only protein skimmer I have used, so I am not sure what standard operation for a skimmer is supposed to be. Livestock: 120# LR 2x diamond gobies 1x yellow tang 3x chromis 2x clownfish several snails and hermits (could use a few more)

10/02/2011, 11:07 AM	#4
Bello Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 1,246	I don't like saying anything negative.... but the 9010 is really rubbish. Its better than not running a skimmer at all..... but that really isn't saying much. It has been by far, the worst skimmer I've ever owned. I'd recommend going in for a Reef Octopus etc.

10/02/2011, 02:39 PM	#6
happyclam Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,012	Currently running skimmer at 10". It used to be at 9" but there was no difference. I know Tunze is a great company, but I am wondering if their style of skimmers are a bit antiquated. I'm wondering if my skimmer is actually performing correctly, and that is all the skimmers can do and it is undersized for my system.