Tunze 9005 Odd Air whistling noise!

[apex82]

Just recently picked up a used tunze 2005 for my 46 gallon. Got it all set up in the tank(no sump), water level etc. There is some motor noise to be expected however, there is a constant high pitched whistling noise followed by a darth vader type air popping noise every few seconds. As if its kind of gasping for air? Sort of like the sound a coffee maker makes when brewing coffee. I have found that if I remove the top plastic cup AND neck piece while it is running the noise disappears for the most part. It seems to be working properly though... I have adjusted positioning, blue screw and water gate at bottom trying to get rid of this ventilator noise. Could really use some help on what it could be and how to get rid of it! Thanks!

The noise sounds like the air popping noise in this video. However, the noise is unbearable in the family room...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7gp9tZ8Rtk

 

[rvitko]

It sounds like it may be too deeply submerged, try just raising it 1/4". The other possibility is the silencer is leaking, this is the clear tube inside, it is basically a muffler to silence air noise and they sometimes develop leaks and suck in water. This can be repaired but it is a very tricky repair as the space is tight, it typically is frustrating and results in bloody knuckles. We have to pull the old silencer and install a new one. I would try raising it and see if that works first.

 

[apex82]

Ok well I took it apart and put it back together and the air noise is gone. However, it is overall fairly loud... Definately to loud for my quiet family room. Is this normal? It just sounds like motor/sucking noise. I also have a crap load of microbubbles, it looks like a sandstorm. Any ideas on how to get rid of these?
Thanks

 

[rvitko]

That doesn't sound right, it should be about as quiet as a skimmer can possibly be, some motor hum and some air noise but nothing you can hear more than a couple feet from the aquarium. Did you maybe add a slime algae killer or some sort of stress coat or vitamin? These products can change the surface tension of the water and cause the water to rise into the air intake and carry a lot of microbubbles.

 

[apex82]

Hmmm... any idea of a comparison for noise? I can definately hear it 20 feet away vividly. 10 feet away is loud enough to be very annoying. With the TV on I cant really hear it though. I have koralia 3 powerheads and an aquaclear HOB and they are silent with that low hum you talk about. This is a whole new level of noise compared to these.

The only thing I have added is some magnesium additive from LFS. Could that be the culprit? This a used skimmer so I don't know if it worked with no bubbles prior to being used in my tank.

 

[rvitko]

Way to loud, it shouldn't be any louder than your Aquaclear really. Mg could not cause this.

Make sure the pump is in right, the output nozzle should insert into a clear pipe in the skimmer body.

 

[apex82]

Thats why I purchsed the tunze because it was supposed to be silent... The microbubbles seem to be coming from the back where the cord comes out. You think magnesium could have added to the amount of bubbles? I also am not getting much skinmate.. 100ml(fist line on cup) in a week. I have tried closing and opening blue screw but doesnt seem to produce more. I have a decent bio load as well. 2 clown, coral beauty, mandarin and a cleaner shrimp. Any ideas why the bubbles are not going into the cup?

 

[rvitko]

I don't think magnesium could cause that, a high KH, high Dissolved Oxygen or a surfactant can cause that. If the 100ml collected in 2-3 days and then stopped or slowed that would be normal for that skimmer, after the cup is dirty foam slows down in rising up as the bubbles pop when they contact the sludge. How is the noise problem now? I am happy to take a look at it.

 

[apex82]

It still doesnt seem to producing as much skinmate as I think it should... Like I said its a bit less than 100ml every 4 days or more and its not very dark. It just looks like dirty water.

Does it matter the placement in the tank? Ie grate and tunze emblem facing towards front of tank or facing sideways to other side?

Also, do you know if the magnet holder that comes with 9006 will fit on a tunze 9005?

If I clean the neck and cup with vinegar the bubbles should move higher up? If the neck is dirty, its harder to produce more sludge?

By take a look at it do you mean I ship to you and you take a look at it and send it back?

 

[rvitko]

Placement only matters in the sense of avoiding an area with very strong flow.

The magnet holder 6080.500 that comes with 9006 will work on 9005 as well.

As sludge builds on the neck less foam is collected, only water and a brush or paper towel should be needed to clean the cup.

Yes, send it in, I will check it over for any defects or damage and let you know what I find.