Tunze DOC Protein Skimmer 9020

[LarryW]

I need to find a good protein skimmer with a small footprint for my 120g. I was wondering if the 9020 would be a good choice, since I plan on keeping SPS, with a medium bioload. The footprint is perfect. I would also consider a 9010 or 9015, with the foam extraction unit, if that would be better. I have about 9" to work with left to right. Does anyone have any pices of the 9020 setup and running? I am looking to see the collection container for the foam extraction units. I wanted to see how big they were. Again foot print is an issue for me, and I wnat to get the biggest skimmer I can for that area.


Thanks,

 

[rvitko]

The waste collector is basically like a big salt bucket- almost 7 gallons. A 9020 should do a good job on that tank.

 

[LarryW]

ok, thanks. now do I need to use the waste container? that's not going to fit under my stand. can I jut have the tubing flow back into the sump, or does it need some type of container to collect into? also with the 9020 I re mesured, and I might have issues putting it into the area. is the unit 2 9010's that are glued or bonded together, or are they loose. I would need to put one in,then the other one in, and then slide them together at the back on the sump.

 

[rvitko]

It is basically 2 9010's glued together. They cannot be seperated the bucket collects skimmate and you wouldn't want that going back into your sump. You can use any container you wish, the bucket is just what we include.

 

[LarryW]

hmm, ok. When they say 8.8" is that really 8 1/2 inches? My problem is the top lip on my acrylic sump is about an inch and and causes the opening to be close to 8". I might be able to put in in long ways an turn it, but I am not sure. I ran into that issue with my current skimmer, that I need to return.

What about the 9015, do you think that would be sutable for my 120? What about buying 2 9010's, and using the collection cup on both?

Thanks,

 

[rvitko]

No, it is about 8 7/8". Either would work, The bigger the skimmer though the cleaner the water and the more colorful the SPS.

 

[LarryW]

ok. I might start with one 9015, and then add a second one or a 9010 later if need be.

I don't think I will be able to turn the 9020 inside the sump.

Thanks,

 

[rvitko]

Just keep in mind that if you use two skimmers they should be identical or else one will generally out do the other and leave it as non or marginal performer.

 

[LarryW]

ok, so I will start with a 9015, and add a second one if needed. I did the 60% conversion, and the 9015 will handle a 159g loaded sps tank, so i think 1 should be fine. I only plan on having about 6 fish, and some basic SPS at this point.

 

[LarryW]

Roger, would you recommend the 9010 with the foam extractor over the 9015? I might be able to move some things around under the stand, and get some kinda collection container under the stand. I need to find out the footprint on a 10# CO2 bottle and try to fit a container in there to....

 

[LarryW]

never mind, I don't have room on the side of my sump to get a container out of the stand.

 

[rvitko]

You could use a 1gallon container bigger of course is better.

 

[LarryW]

Thanks, Roger.

I think I will go with the 9010 with the foam extraction unit. It appears to perform better then the 9015 standalone, and I can always add another 9010 with the foam unit if I need it. I will just use a 1g milk jug for collection. Does this sound reasonable for a 120g mixed SPS reef?

 

[rvitko]

Sounds reasonable but keep in mind that to get some SPS especially many of the blue and pink/red color morphs to full color the water has to be very low in organics, carbon and phosphate removers are very helpful.