Skimmer 9010

[glr]

Hi Roger and Folks,

I am preparing to start a reef tank and am considering the 9010 skimmer. Low energy consumption is one of my goals in selecting equipment. The 9010, at 21 watts, certainly qualifies there.

The general opinions on RF are positive regarding its performance. However, the diameter and height of the 9010 is usually less than competing models which state a similar skimming capacity. It is my impression that, in general, the larger the tube size the greater the skimming abililty. What does the Tunze skimmer have in its design that seems to produce more ability than its size would indicate? Also, why does the 9010 have a box surrounding the chamber? To prevent light penetration and possible algae growth?

Any comments on this skimmer would be most welcome!!

The tank size I am looking at is 70 gallons.

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

The box is the chamber, the way the water is deflected by internal baffles gives roughly a 2.5ft reaction area. It will do fine on a 70 gallon.

 

[dandydan]

Roger,
I have a 9010, was a bit worried re my new 530l reef with too many fish, So made a mistake as couldnt find a 9015 cup I bought the foam extraction unit, waste of time I think, as the cup needs cleaning well before too much skimmate is collected. Now back to the 9010 cup which is performing great and still only needs emptying/cleaning weekly. I presume I wont need to upgrade untill I have to empty/clean much more than what I am doing??

 

[rvitko]

I am surprised, usually the 9020 foam extractor works great. Did you increase the air flow to compensate for the greater height? If the tank seems healthy it should be fine, the 9010 really should be enough for a 530 liter tank but I might give the foam extractor another shot.

 

[dandydan]

Sorry Roger,
I meant the foam extractor does work ok, and yes was able to increase the air flow. but when you have to take it off every few days to clean it, I cant see the point in not doing the same with a skimmer cup, unless I can leave it running dirtier than what i thought.
Thanks

 

[catastrofe]

I have the 9020 which comes with the foam extractors. I've found that although I empty my skimmate container 2 - 3 times/week, the extractors only need to be cleaned once/week.

HTH. . .

 

[dandydan]

Thanks all,
I shall give the extractor another go,
possibly my tank at present does not have enough gunk to take out.