EXTREMELY Frustrated with 9015 skimmer

mdvistnes

New member
OK - very frustrated here. In fact VERY doesn't even begin to describe it. I bought this skimmer about a month ago and have had problem after problem with it. First, it didn't work out of the box because several parts had become detached. Finally got it to work properly. But every time I move it in the sump to clean it something happens and I have to completely disassemble it and reassemble it to get it to work again properly. Last night I spent over an hour trying to get it to work properly. All the pump connections are properly seated and air valves/tubing are exactly as before. No water flows up through the elbow tubing. No foam. Nothing. I am shocked beyond disbelief to have spent almost $500 on a TUNZE product of this quality. This is the 4th time it has happened when I move it slightly or have to take off the foam on the elbow to clean it. The plastic pieces that fit together for the skimmer come apart way to easily. I have had a lot of Tunze products over the years and this one would make me never want to buy another one. Ever. Despite that, I have 2 of the new Stream powerheads on order and just placed an order for a Master DOC 9420 at almost twice the price when maybe this is what I should have ordered in the first place had I know I would have had so many problems with this skimmer. Did I get a lemon? Is this a common problem? Where is the solution??

Frustrated
 
Can you send me the skimmer? It sounds fairly simple, like the bottom plate is just sliding off. We are changing the way this plate is installed and it is a simple mod I can do to your skimmer. Basically we will add a screw that will lock the plate on. All I do is restrain the plate with one hand when I work on the skimmer. It shouldn't be that frustrating or difficult. Once the skimmer is assembled nothing beyond cleaning the skimmer cup should be required for at least 3 months. The foam should be below the pipe and the small amount of detritus that collects I would just ignore until a full cleaning is due.

You mentioned purchasing a 9420, please be aware that the skimmer is being changed and the new one will be ready in mid November, I would not get one of the current models so close to the redesign being ready. The new pump is much improved over the Sicce pump we were using.
 
OK - thank you Roger. Can you give me a mailing address and I will FedEX it to you.

Thanks for the heads-up on the 9420. I cancelled the order and will wait. Will it be the same model number when it comes out?
 
Yes, but the pump will be our own pump and the foam sponges will be replaced by 50 micron filter bags.
 
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