Tunze 9010 For A 200g Reef? – 01/15/08
Hi,
<<Hello Marcus>>
I have just setup up a new 4 x 4 x 2 reef, upgraded from a 4 x 18” x 2.
<<Neat!>>
I am using my skimmer from my last tank which is a<<Tunze>> 9010, which I was pretty happy with.
<<I too like Tunze skimmers>>
I am copping a fair bit of flack in my build thread about how undersized this skimmer is for a 200g reef.
<<Really? Hmm, even though your new tank specs out at about 239-gallons (actual true “empty” volume depends on the thickness of the panel material)…the Tunze 9010 has a “usage” rating of up to 264-gallons>>
What is your opinion?
<<I saw many of the “classic” Tunze skimmers in action overseas years back, and well before similar quality skimmers were available in the States...they were awesome. I don’t have any direct experience with the new Comline skimmers like the 9010, but have heard positive comments from others… I suspect you/this skimmer will be fine>>
Should I consider upgrading?
<<Is up to you, but I would probably wait to see how this skimmer performs with the new system>>
I am only stocking with a medium to light load of LPSs/sps and fish, with a pretty open aquascaping.
<<Still…best to plan/install filtration components for a “heavy” load, in my opinion. Even when we plan for/know better…we sometimes can’t help adding “just one more fish”>>
If I upgraded to a 9015 or even the foaming cup for the 9020, how much of a difference would this make, given that, other than the collection cup and chamber height, the skimmers are exactly the same?
<<Hmm, the 9020 is a “double” unit, though the 9015 does appear to be identical (air/water flow specifications) to the 9010 but for the size of the collection cup…which may indicate the smaller unit is just as efficient on larger tanks (i.e. – can handle the same “bio-load”) but is limited by the amount of skimmate it can process/hold before needing attention. In other words…if you’re willing to empty the cup more often, the 9010 should serve as well as the higher capacity-rated 9015 on larger systems>>
Many thanks,
Marcus
<<I do think your Tunze 9010 will serve your new system…but, give it a try first and see what “you” think…you can always upgrade or add a second skimmer at a later date if necessary. Regards, EricR>>

Skimmer Selection 1/15/08
Crew,
<Joe>
I am currently setting up a 210 gallon sps tank and I <Ah, another broken shift key.> am trying to make a decision regarding my skimmer. I know this is one of my most important pieces of equipment so I <I> don't mess this up. I don't really have much sump space so I <I> am looking for a external skimmer. I like the EuroReefs but for my application I would need the RC-500 which is like 1200 bucks. I was wondering if there is a good skimmer that won't cost me a grand. I have been looking at the Lifereef brand of skimmers, in particular the VS3-36. Jeff from LifeReef talks a good game about his skimmers and says he would put them against a Euroreef anyway. So I would like to know if you have any experience with Lifereef products? Also, if you don't like Lifereef what skimmer model would you recommend? If the expensive Euroreef or similar is my only option to keep the high water quality I will need so be it, but I want to know for sure before I spent the money.
<Joe, no experience with Lifereef products but I hear they are quality products and have heard no negative feedback on them. As for other brands of skimmers that would work well in your tank, this would be my choice list.
AquaC EV240 (around $400)
Precision Marine PM Bullet 2 ($400)
Tunze Master DOC Skimmer, comes with two hydrofoamers and rated for tanks up to 1000 gallons, pricey, but an excellent skimmer. Keep in mind here that there are no pumps to buy.($960)
ASM G-3 with a modified Sedra pump. ($310)
Hope this helps you out.>
Thanks for the help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Joe

Skimmer help sel.   2/2/06
Dear crew,
<Robert>
I am currently under way with an expansion of my existing 300 gallon reef to a new 560 gallon reef with 200 gallon refugium and 300 gallons
of grow out for frags.
<Some project now!>
I have looked at a number of large skimmers and am concerned about the mega pumps required to properly run a unit such
as an Aqua C EV2000.  I have been reading Anthony Calfo's book on coral propagation and he discusses venturi style countercurrent skimmers as a viable option.
<Don't be thrown by such descriptive terms... there are very junky Venturi types, Countercurrents...>
What I can't figure out is how many units (linked in series) would I need, and how much flow would be required to skim the
1100 gallons or so in my total system?  Power consumption is a big problem out here in California and I am trying to find a balance between
the necessary equipment, and the high cost of electricity.
<I would look to the fine folks at EuroReef here... or Deltec... even RK2... an investment, but worthwhile.
Thanks,
Bob McCook

Lifereef Skimmer, sel. period for a 600 gal. SW   2/27/07
Just one quick question today, I have had a 180 gallon for 6 months now. My skimmer is Lifereef VS3-30 powered by a Mag 12. I love my skimmer and everyone has their opinions on which is the best. The Lifereef is simple to use and keep tuned and pulls a full 1-2 cups of nog per week.
Million dollar question: If you were going to set up a 600 gallon reef what skimmer would you use?
<Mmm, either one or more Euro-Reef products, but would consider a Deltec...>
I am thinking to just go with what I know and get a Lifereef VS3-72 (rated to 1500 gallons--I always double what its rated for) But there are so many custom and well known high dollar skimmer's out there that seem to work just as great. Deltec is seen many times on huge beautiful tanks. IMO the skimmer is the engine and I want to make sure there's not a diesel out there I would be more happy with even though my V6 is doing just fine. thanks Jeff
<And am hoping still for the advent of RK2 hobbyist sized units... Bob Fenner>

Double Skimming? – 5/19/07
Hello,
<Hi, James>
Is it a good idea to run two skimmers at the same time?
<Sometimes. It depends on your situation.>
I have recently built a new 920 gallon system.
<Ooh, nice!>
I am using an aqua-medic 5000 baby skimmer, which is rated at 528 gallons.
<Does sound like it's a little undersized.>
It is  producing dark good quality skimmate non stop.
<And you are wondering how much it is leaving behind...>
So, I am looking at the AquaMedic 5000 twin which is rated for 1320 gallons.  Should I run the twin along with the baby or just use the twin?
<If you have room to run both while you get the new one tweaked and broken in, you will have a chance to see what both will do.  If they both continue to produce significantly, then you may want to keep both if serious skimming is your goal.  If the larger skimmer makes the original obsolete, it will be obvious.  I am running a similar experiment myself, and am soon to remove the original, as the new skimmer is removing enough that the original is not earning its keep.>
Many Thanks in advance,
James.