Tunze Reefpack Questions

[Kinetic]

Hi,
I will be ordering a Nano Reefpack for a 20G system (7.5 gallon display, 15 gallon sump), and I have some questions.

How much area do I need for the reefpack? I see the footprint, but then I see there's a surface skimming box, and an output on the side from the cleaner.

I see the maximum water level is around 7-8", how much of the skimmer sticks out of the top?

What is the minimum clearance needed above the unit in order to maintain it? (remove cup, clean filter media).

Thanks!!

 

[Kinetic]

oh, and what does this do?
STORAGE TANK 5002.10: with a volume of 13 litres (3.4USgal.); is used to hold the refill water.

 

[smatter]

The bucket is for your make up water if you decide to use the osmolator or an auto top off of some kind. The surface skimmer sticks out 2 inches and you'll need three or four inches to lift off the skimmer cup. The cup sits four to five inches above the tanks edge.

 

[Kinetic]

thanks for the great information!

I'll have a total of 30" of space, but the sump will contain 10" of water, so I'm guessing I'll have at least a foot of space above the skimmer

Do you have this reefpack? if so what are your impressions?

how loud is it? It claims to be very quiet / silent?
how effective is it? what size tank do you have?

 

[smatter]

It is very quiet and works like a champ. It is designed to be used in the aquarium. Why do you want the Reefpack if you have a sump? You already have surface skimming so all you really need is a skimmer. How are things in my old stomping grounds? I grew up in Burlingame.

 

[Kinetic]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7603251#post7603251 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by smatter
It is very quiet and works like a champ. It is designed to be used in the aquarium. Why do you want the Reefpack if you have a sump? You already have surface skimming so all you really need is a skimmer. How are things in my old stomping grounds? I grew up in Burlingame.

I wanted the reefpack because it comes with a chamber for activated carbon / phosphate absorbing media. I could get a TWF Phosphate reactor and hook that up, but then I'd need another pump etc.

I've had huge success in the past with carbon and phosphate absorbing media (it's how I ridded my tanks of hair algae!) so I'm hoping to run those as well.

What do you think?

btw the Bay Area is great. It's 80-90 degrees all over today.

 

[smatter]

You would be better off with a reactor of some kind because the water level in the Nano Cleaner drops pretty quickly and then the pump draws air. I use the Tunze Osmolator to keep the water level exact.

 

[Kinetic]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7603892#post7603892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by smatter
You would be better off with a reactor of some kind because the water level in the Nano Cleaner drops pretty quickly and then the pump draws air. I use the Tunze Osmolator to keep the water level exact.

why would the water drop really quickly inside? is this a known issue?

 

[smatter]

It draws water from a small opening at the top and discharges at the bottom, so when the water level in the tank or sump drops, the level inside the filter drops and the pump draws air. You have to maintain the water level.

 

[Kinetic]

you mean for evaporation right?

I have a great ATO system, ReefFanatic Level Controller that works great. I've never looked into the osmos from tunze but this one works great =)

 

[jvlz]

smatter:
you say you have this reefpack with the osmolator 3155. does the reefpack have built-in sensor holders for the osmolator? or do you just use the regular supports that come with the osmolator separate from the reefpack.

 

[Kinetic]

can you take the cleaner and skimmer off of each other and run them separately?

 

[smatter]

The Reefpack 500 has holders for the sensors. The Nano Reefpack does not, so I use the included mounts. I have thought about mounting the optical sensor inside the unit. The high level sensor must be kept away from the magnet so I will have to leave that one outside. The Nano Cleaner is separate from the skimmer, they are just mounted side by side on the magnet holder.

 

[jvlz]

nano reefpack doesn't ... that's a bummer

 

[smatter]

It's too nano for them to fit. I don't think I will try to mount the optical sensor inside, I don't mind them mounted on the back of the tank.

 

[MikeD]

Does anyone have pictures of these reefpacks? I have a 37 gallon and I need to rid it of the surface film. The CPR bakPak box isn't the greatest.... I have an aquafuge ps as my filtration, 3 powerheads in the tank for waves. So I'm starting to feel it's getting cluttered...