What skimmer for my 180g?

[alanmorehead]

I am looking for a skimmer for my new 180g tank. It has a 55g sump and will be medium to medium/heavy bio-load. I am considering the Tunze 9010 or the 9015 (as well as the Euro-reef RS250).

My first question about the Tunze:
How is the 9015 rated so much higher than the 9010? Same footprint, same water thoughput, same air capacity. It looks like the only difference is that the 9015 has a collection cup that is 2 inches taller. Is it accurate to say that this small difference can increase the capacity by 50%?

The footprint of the skimmer is not a limiting factor for me, so I don't NEED the compactness of these skimmers. How do these compare to the Euro-reef RS250s?

 

[rvitko]

Not having used that skimmer it would be difficult to compare them. I would think logically the Euro Reef should be stronger, it has a bigger pump and a bigger reaction chamber. I would think a 9010 could probably be compared to a 6" tube skimmer. The 9010 cannot run with the maximum allowable air intake without just collecting a cup of water. I prefer the 9010 over the 9015 as the 9015 can only collect a heavier thicker skimmate and I think that leaves some material unremoved compared to a more wattery skimmate. I actually think the 9010 with a foam extractor is the way to go instead of buying a 9015, the foam extractor is just enough shorter that you get the capability to skim a bit wetter if you desire and run the venturi full bore. Within the last month Tunze changed the skimmers 9010 and 9015 to a bigger venturi opening to let in even more air so this could all be improved from my experiences. I personally use a 9010 on each of my two reefs and I like them becuase they are quiet, consistent and parts are available.

 

[alanmorehead]

I prefer the 9010 over the 9015...

So, would the 9010 be good for a 180g (220g total w/ sump) under a medium to medium/heavy bio-load? They are rated for "up to 264gal", but I'm not sure what kind of bio-load that rating is for. Or would the 9010 probably be too much of a stretch for this size of tank?

 

[rvitko]

The factory rates them the following way, and I think it is accurate.

The stated rating applies to what used to be termed a Dutch reef, soft corals and macro algaes and a modest fish population.

For heavier densities of LPS and soft corals reduce the rating by 20%

For SPS reduce the rating by 40%

For a heavily stocked tank of SPS and many fish reduce the rating by 60%.

 

[ambaratur]

So if we buy the skimmer at this time what is the chance that it will have the larger venturi? Or is there a way we can make sure it has the larger venturi before we order?

 

[rvitko]

Generally since we are perpetually behind thins are sold before they even arrive so old stock on shelves is not a huge issue.

 

[pjf]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9826772#post9826772 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rvitko
I actually think the 9010 with a foam extractor is the way to go instead of buying a 9015, the foam extractor is just enough shorter that you get the capability to skim a bit wetter if you desire and run the venturi full bore.

Roger,

I've been trying to tune the settings for the new foam extractor on my 9010. It does not appear that it can run with the Venturi open much beyond the moderate settings for the regular 9010 collection cup. Twice this week, I've overfilled my 2-quart collection jar overnight when I tried to increase the Venturi by a half-turn or a quarter-turn.

How is it possible for the foam extractor to be run at full bore?

Thanks!

 

[rvitko]

Do you have the newest version with an 8mm venturi screw and the snap on cover or the older version with 5mm venturi screw and glued on top cover? The 8mm version takes in more air. The water chemistry can also have an effect.

 

[pjf]

6mm

6mm

I purchased my Tunze 9010 from Marine Depot in December 2006. The Venturi screw is 6mm in diameter. I know because I purchased an extra screw from a metric hardware store.

I'm not sure what you mean by "top cover." To my knowledge, the top portion of the black skimmer body does not come off.

 

[rvitko]

It takes in more air, the max flow is maybe 10% more and the adjustment is different so what you are observing is correct. The plastic part under the cup with the big hole in it for the cup is now a snap on piece, it is no longer glued but simply clips on.

 

[mcliffy2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9826772#post9826772 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rvitko
Not having used that skimmer it would be difficult to compare them. I would think logically the Euro Reef should be stronger, it has a bigger pump and a bigger reaction chamber. I would think a 9010 could probably be compared to a 6" tube skimmer. The 9010 cannot run with the maximum allowable air intake without just collecting a cup of water. I prefer the 9010 over the 9015 as the 9015 can only collect a heavier thicker skimmate and I think that leaves some material unremoved compared to a more wattery skimmate. I actually think the 9010 with a foam extractor is the way to go instead of buying a 9015, the foam extractor is just enough shorter that you get the capability to skim a bit wetter if you desire and run the venturi full bore. Within the last month Tunze changed the skimmers 9010 and 9015 to a bigger venturi opening to let in even more air so this could all be improved from my experiences. I personally use a 9010 on each of my two reefs and I like them becuase they are quiet, consistent and parts are available.

Sorry to chime in on this, but also thinking about the 9010. Is there a way we can make sure when we order that we are getting one of the new and improved models? Serial # difference or something like that?

 

[rvitko]

No, but for the most part we are behind demand so they don't sit on the shelf they are generally out the door the day they arrive so getting old stock is not a frequent problem. The new ones are obvious on inspection the venturi screw is 8mm instead of 5mm and the top cover snaps on, it used to be glued on.

 

[pjf]

9015 Collection Cup Better with new Venturi?

9015 Collection Cup Better with new Venturi?

With the stronger Venturi, wouldn't the taller 9015 collection cup be the best one to use? Even with my regular (6mm?) Tunze, I tend to flood both the 9010 cup and the foam extraction unit.

 

[rvitko]

The 9015 cup is less than 1" taller than the foam extractor, it may make a slight difference but not much, I still think the foam extractor is superior.