DOC 9020 Question

[Jacob D]

To Tunze USA (or anyone in the know):

What's a realistic tank size for the 9020 skimmer on a heavily stocked (fish), lightly stocked corals, mostly softies and lps tank? What type of setup would you rate it up to 525 gallons on (just curious).

 

[rvitko]

I would rate it for 320 gallons. The stated rating is for a basic "dutch" type reef of macro algaes, soft corals and fish, basically what most people now call a FOWLR. Remove 20% of the capacity for LPS, 40% for SPS and 60% for a heavily stocked with fish SPS tank.

 

[Jacob D]

Thanks Roger, I just found the efficiency info online, on a vendor's site. I assume you used the 40% reduction based on my description above, which comes out close to 320g.

I'm in progress of setting up a 340g system. I normally wouldn't have considered the Tunze skimmer, but the energy efficiency is very appealing to me. I don't know if a 9020 would handle the system, it sounds like it'll be a little undersized, but this isn't an exact science.

Energy here in CA is expensive and I'm concerned about energy use on this system. Just running a few quick numbers I can see the ROI pays off just after 2 years compared to the most economical option that I would consider (which uses 130w). This has me leaning toward the 9020, even if I have to give up most of my SPS.


Any further thoughts or suggestions regarding the 9020 on a 340g?

 

[rvitko]

How about a 9420 0r 9440 if the space allows? These are the Master DOC skimmers that have just started to come in. Energy efficiency is about the same but the skimmer is a much larger needle wheel design. These could definitely do the job.

 

[Jacob D]

Actually I was just talking to my LFS about these, I think you'll be getting a call from them tomorrow, he misplaced his price list.

I heard about them from the Interzoo show but didn't think they were coming out for awhile. The 9440 sounds like a winner, the 9420 seems like it would be on the small side (looking at water and air flow). I'd like to know if these skimmers are rated on a similar method as the 9020, 9015, etc...

 

[rvitko]

Yes, and a 9420 is the same as a 9440 just with one pump. The second pump can be added later, the fittings are already there. Including the couple we got yesterday we have now recieved 4 9420 and 2 9440 so they are just starting to be produced.