Tunze 9012 issue

[epleeds]

Roger

I have a Tunze 9012 that I'm running in a IM SR80 that is causing a ton of micro bubbles similar to this post

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2578206&highlight=9012

I have it in the compartment next to the filter sock. The skimmer has only been running for 30 days and is pulling some nasty skimmate but the micro bubbles are everywhere since its flowing into the compartment with the return pump.

Was there a certain run of skimmers that need the new body? Aside from replacing the body like the above post, are there any other fixes for it? The skimmer is great my the micro bubbles are a constant annoyance.

 

[rvitko]

If the bubbles come from the bottom or intake at the top the issue is depth or air adjustment, the more you close the air the more bubbles will come from the bottom (closing the air increases water flow so bubbles travel further and faster), being set too deep causes bubbles to exit the intake and bottom outlet. If the bubbles exit the side seams, the issue is some part is not seated properly, usually I find near the top of one of the main body halves their is a blemish in the casting that needs to be sanded or filed off, replacing the body will also solve this. Strong flow by the skimmer can draw bubbles out as well, the flow by the skimmer needs to be relatively slow.

 

[atorres53]

I've had mine since July of 2015 and I have not been able to stop the micro bubbles. I've tried everything that I have read. I still have it but I replaced it with a Reef Octopus HOB1000. The Reef Octopus doesn't skim as well but NO micro bubbles.
After spending $300 I expected no micro bubbles.

 

[rvitko]

atorres53, where were the bubbles escaping from? Honestly, I can't say I have ever seen a skimmer that will never produce any micro bubbles, they all produce some in certain conditions. The 9012 will be relatively free of micro bubbles, but it is particular to how it is installed, it is designed to go in a quiet corner in tank, it can work in a sump but the water flow needs to be slow, the 9410 is the equivalent for in sump use as it works better with the higher flow and lower water levels in most sumps. It is possible something is wrong with the body, but there are a lot of other potential causes.

 

[atorres53]

atorres53, where were the bubbles escaping from? Honestly, I can't say I have ever seen a skimmer that will never produce any micro bubbles, they all produce some in certain conditions. The 9012 will be relatively free of micro bubbles, but it is particular to how it is installed, it is designed to go in a quiet corner in tank, it can work in a sump but the water flow needs to be slow, the 9410 is the equivalent for in sump use as it works better with the higher flow and lower water levels in most sumps. It is possible something is wrong with the body, but there are a lot of other potential causes.

The bubbles are coming out from the simes in the sides. I took it apart many times with no luck. I wish I could figure out my problem because it works!

 

[rvitko]

I PM'd you back, please email the receipt, this will give me a rough idea of when it was made and what it might need to solve the problem, a common older problem was the middle plate sliding down, otherwise it is likely a blemish in the front or back housing.

 

[atorres53]

I PM'd you back, please email the receipt, this will give me a rough idea of when it was made and what it might need to solve the problem, a common older problem was the middle plate sliding down, otherwise it is likely a blemish in the front or back housing.

Roger
Thank you so much for the prompt response. Roger will be shipping me a new
body. Unbelievable customer service to go with an outstanding performing skimmer.
Thanks again Roger!!!
Angel

 

[rvitko]

Thank you, we may not always get it perfect but we do always work to correct mistakes and problems and resolve them. One of the reasons I stay with Tunze is it is a family company that is committed to fairness and trying to do it right.

 

[atorres53]

Roger,
Thanks again for your GREAT customer service. Today I received the body and impeller. Tunze will continue to get my business!!!!!

 

[rvitko]

Thank you!

 

[epleeds]

Just to update my issue. I ended up turning the skimmer around and mounted it higher in the chamber and the bubbles went away. I guess I had it to low causing the issue. Thanks Roger for the info via PM.

 

[rvitko]

No problem, in all cases with the 9001, 9004 and 9012 AC pump versions, depth and excessive restriction of the air are the main causes of bubbles escaping. It may seem contrary to logic on the surface but think of the pump as doing so many gph and you are setting how much is air and how much is water, the more you close the air, the more water flow and then the bubbles move faster and with more force and escape. The depth is critical to getting the right flow internally of water coming in and exiting and this also plays a role.