upgrading master doc skimmers?

[ReefAnon]

Since the master doc skimmers 9420, 9440, 9460 and 9480 only vary in the number of pumps does this mean I can buy any model and upgrade it all the way up the range by adding more pumps?

Also how is this done - do you drill extra holes in the housing for the extra pumps?

I did check the manuals and tunze.com but couldn't find answers to this...

Thanks,

Daniel

 

[rvitko]

There are actually two different bodies so you can upgrade a 9420 to a 9440 and a 9460 to a 9480 but that is the limit, the bigger skimmers have a 12" diameter tube and the smaller ones an 8" diameter tube. The additional hole is already present and covered by a threaded cap. The stand pipe heights also vary but both the tall and short stand pipes are included with all models.

 

[ReefAnon]

Ok, thanks - that's a lot clearer.

What would you advise on the ratings (eg up to 2000l etc) for these models if running a low nutrient SPS tank - eg would I half the suggested rating?

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

The catalog suggests the following ratings-

Stated rating is essentially for a FOWLR or Dutch Reef
Deduct 20% for a high load of photosynthetic soft corals and anemones
Deduct 40% for LPS or mixed reef
Deduct 60% for SPS dominate reefs
Deduct 70% for SPS and a high fish load