9420 skimmer

[mdvistnes]

Hi Roger

I just ordered a 9420 skimmer from Marine Depot to replace a 9015 I've had for about a year now. Wanted increased skimming performance for my 180 tank.

I noticed online and in the threads here that there have been some modifications recently. Do you know if I'll get the older version or the new version with the new pump, etc and how long the shipping wait might be?

Also, any threads in TUNZE that will help me tweak the setup and performance when it arrives?

Thanks!

 

[rvitko]

You will get the newest version, I have none in stock and we are still waiting to get the new ones. The pump has changed and the sponge bubble trap has been replaced by a filter sock and a couple fine tuning adjustments have been added. I would be happy to help but you will be getting the first one.

 

[mdvistnes]

Thanks for the reply. I called MD and they said they expect to get them in about Feb 6th.

When I put it in my under cabinet sump I'll have about 4 inches clearance from the top of the cup to the roof of the cabinet according to the measurements and specs. This should be enough to get the cup off and clean it easily I hope?

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

I believe so but unfortunately I don't have a skimmer present to measure.

 

[smatter]

I am interested in one as well, I will submit my order at Premium Aquatics. Is that 06FEB09 Marine Depot estimate fairly accurate? I assume you will just drop ship it from Austin. Do you think there will be an oversize charge?

 

[shawnz28]

As long as nothing has changed on the 9420/40 body, the cup needs 3" for removal

 

[rvitko]

9420 and 9440 shouldn't have an oversize charge but 9460 and 9480 do. Premium Aquatics and Marine Depot both have stocking orders so they may do a drop ship but these are going to the dealers as well. FWIW, Salty Critter may have them in stock as they had the older models and we swapped all the pumps. The only thing missing would be the filter bag sets. Honestly, I highly recommend the 9440 and 9480, these two models have consistently had positive feedback, the 9420 and 9460 tend to disappoint, we are researching the problem now but they tend to not deliver as much air flow as they should and the foam is dry and coats the neck which interferes with skimming. The good news is you can always add the second pump at no net increase in price over starting with a 9440. For international people reading this post, my comments pertain only to the 60Hz model I don't know that the 50Hz model has the same issues and believe it does not.

 

[mdvistnes]

Thanks Roger. I guess based on your info and rec I'll upgrade to the 9440 since the 9420 hasn't shipped yet. I'll call MD and change the order. Any idea if the wait on the 9440 is longer or shorter? Thanks. They list a 2-3 week backorder time for both.

 

[rvitko]

Should be about the same, I am waiting on a definite delivery time from the factory.

 

[smatter]

So the 9420 will be inadequate for a 200g mixed reef tank with a medium stocking of fish? The skimmer isn't actually for me, it is for my friend that I help with her tank. I had a hard time talking her into buying it because she not long ago wasted her money on an MSX 250 piece of junk that overflows constantly, and unexpectedly. It also rarely starts back up easily. I don't want to tell her she needs to spend $200 more.

 

[rvitko]

The problem is that it skims on the dry side and the skimmate coats the neck and interferes with skimming but we are getting close to a solution, it just needs a bit more airflow. When used so the pump is just barely submerged the pumps do only about 500lph of air, I have to tip my hat to Shawnz who found by raising the water level so the differential between the water column in the sump and inside the skimmer is reduced you can get 600lph but our goal is 650-700 and it should be a very minor tweak which we will have ready likely by the time the skimmer is here. We are working very hard on this right now and a couple of RC members, Shawnz and clownnrnd have been a huge help.

 

[smatter]

Good to hear because she ordered it yesterday. I explained to her that it can be easily upgraded as we fill her tank. It is the incredible customer service here that keeps me coming back and recommending Tunze to my friends.

Jason

 

[mdvistnes]

Hi Roger

Just checking to see if you had any updated info on when Marine Depot (or you) might be getting in the 6440 skimmers? Wasn't sure if they drop ship direct or not. Thanks.

 

[rvitko]

They will come in next week and we are shipping them to MD.