Skimmer Question

[mmarine1976]

Hi, I am currently running a coralife skimmer on my 90gl reef, but have been very unhappy with its performance. Since Tunze has a exallent reputation with its stream pumps, I have been looking at there skimmers. Does any one have any pros and cons of there skimmers. I am looking at the 9010 since I am planning on possible upgrading to a 180gl sometime next year. Do you see any problem running a skimmer made for larger tanks on my 90gl with a 30gl fuge. The size of these skimmers are great, I hope to place it in a spot in my sump that is about 6 by 6. I've read that it calls for a water level of 4 to 11 inches, the place in my sump that I would be placing it has a constant depth of 14 inches of water. Is there any way to change the required water level, or could I hang it on the inside of my sump? Also what does the foam extraction unit actually do? Is it needed for the extra $95.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[rvitko]

You need an area of about 5" by 7" for the skimmer if you run it in the "sump mode" it is more powerful when run this way but you cannot have more than an 11" water level as it has to rest on the bottom of the sump. You could install it in "internal mode" and then it needs only a 5" by 5" area and the depth wouldn't be an issue because you hang it from the tank edge. This install is a bit weaker because 20% of the water is recirculated but it should be fine. The foam extractor is just if you want to use a big bucket to collect skimmate rather than a cup.