Non-Optimal Water Level for 9010

[pjf]

Skimmer Too Buoyant?

Skimmer Too Buoyant?

This morning, I took your advice and reconfigured my Tunze 9010 for “in-sump” mode per the instructions in the manual. It is sitting on a platform in the sump without a magnet holder. I am still tweaking the air adjustment valve. The blue line is 1-inch above the water level.

I am concerned with the seal on the bottom plate. Since the water level is relatively high, isn’t the skimmer too buoyant to weigh down on the bottom plate? I can easily use a magnet holder to increase the downward pressure of the skimmer on the platform. Should I do that?

Thanks!

 

[rvitko]

The skimmer should fill with water, it does take some time to fill but it should not be too bouyant, especially with the weight of the pump.

 

[pjf]

Sump Water Levels

Sump Water Levels

Thanks, Roger. I can tell that my skimmer is already improving in performance. It's always been good but it's even better now.

Here’s an interesting question regarding the in-sump configuration:

Your manual states that the skimmer is insensitive to sump water levels between 3.9 and 11 inches. But if the skimmer is in a sump with a low water level, it would have to work its pump to maintain a higher water level inside the skimmer. Wouldn’t that reduce its efficiency? Would it not be best to have the sump water level be as high (11") as the water level inside the skimmer?

A penny for your thoughts.

 

[Kinetic]

Ok I realized that the water level for my skimmer would sit about .5 to 1" below 11 inches. So I raised it onto a platform... now it'll sit in much less water (haven't measured it). But since I'm making a stand, what is the OPTIMAL level like pjf said? I can shorten the legs with my pvc cutter.

 

[pjf]

Kinetic,

Good job! I wish that my platform & picture are half as well crafted as yours. Anyway, this is my platform in operation in my sump:

.
I apologize for the fuzzy picture but it is dark in my sump cabinet. I simply threaded two PVC fittings together to form a 5” stand with a quarter-inch thick acrylic sheet on top. You may barely be able to make out the suction cups of the Tunze 9010 atop the sheet.

IMHO, the optimal water level should be below the top of the blue foam pipe (blue line). The skimmer’s pump fills the skimmer body and overflows through the blue foam pipe. If you set the water level right at the blue line then water surges in the sump may cause the internal water level to fluctuate up and down. Then the skimmate foam in the neck of the collection cup will also fluctuate up and down. This is just my opinion given my limited understanding of the skimmer.

 

[Kinetic]

thanks for the info, I will probably have to cut my legs a good amount then =)

 

[rvitko]

The pump doesn't work any harder really either way, the pipe sets the height where the water exits and this is what keeps the water level constant inside. Just be sure the pump doesn't run dry and it really makes no difference otherwise.