DOC skimmer: 9005 or 9010?

[scarletknight06]

I would like to buy one of these skimmers. Just wondering which would be best for my tank. I have a 40g breeder with 15g sump (about 7g while in operation), its barebottom and all SPS. Would the 9005 be sufficient (seems like it would) or should I go for the 9010?

Also what is the noise level on these skimmers? hopefully very quiet to silent

 

[scarletknight06]

also am I reading correctly that there is an optimum water level for the sump if it is going to be used in sump?

 

[rvitko]

A 9010 is the best value for your set up. The 9010 includes the sump install kit which when purchased as an accessory for the 9005 which is delivered for in sump use only makes the cost just about $20 less than buying a 9010. The 9010 will work for water levels from 4-11". The 9005 as delivered needs an 11" constant water level. Both are very quiet. I don't think anything quieter is possible.

 

[scarletknight06]

the water level in my sump is a constant 7". ok just a few more questions:
So in your opinion it would be better to buy the 9010 than just the 9005 with the kit? it wouldnt be too much overkill? For bioload I have a GMS, yellow coris wrasse, carpenters wrasse, and will soon add a flame hawk.

If you say 9010 I'll go 9010.

I read another thread where you said if using it in sump it is best to put in a place of lower flow. I was thinking of putting it inside a small bucket in my sump where the overflow water will feed into and will flow over the sides into the sump. I thought this might be better than just in the sump because it will get more water directly from the overflow. Is this a good idea, or better just to regularly put it in the sump.

Thanks in advance, you are very helpful.

 

[rvitko]

Thanks.

I would just try it in sump, if the flow is too high and seems to be causing a problem you might have to tackle that. It is just hard to recommend the 9005 when the price difference after you buy the extension is almost nil. If it was going in tank the 9005 shines for that because the cup is so squat it even works under a canopy but for in sump the 9010 is the way to go. Both Marine Depot and Premium Aquatics might have 9010 in stock. If they don't I was sent more today. Salty Critter is another company that stocks them and may have them.

 

[scarletknight06]

sounds great, 9010 it is then. I was just worried about overskimming.