Tunze 9005 vs. Tunze 9010

bph0013 · #1 02/04/2007, 09:48 PM

Besides already including the in sump upgrade and a bigger pump what makes the 9010 better. Is the 9005 a bad skimmer? Also can you diy mod the 9005 with the same features as the 9010 using pvc?

bph0013 · #2 02/04/2007, 10:22 PM

bump

pjf · #3 02/04/2007, 10:39 PM

If you don't get a satisfactory answer here, you can certainly post your question in the Tunze forum on Reef Central. Roger Vitko of Tunze personally answers each thread.

I think the Tunze 9005 is fine for small aquariums when you have no intention of ever using it in a sump or larger aquariums.

IMHO, I do not think that modding a Tunze 9005 for sump operations is worth saving $46 for the sump kit. If you've got $46 for the sump kit, you should simply purchase the 9010. You will not only get a sump kit but a more powerful pump and a larger collection cup.

The modifications will not be easy because the Tunze is factory made with fragile precision parts. Unlike handmade rectangular HOB skimmers, it is neither beefy nor tolerant of slop.

On the Tunze website (http://www.tunze.com/149.html?&L=1&C...-infoxunter028), you can see 3 plastic parts that need to be replaced to modify a skimmer for sump operations.

A solid bottom plate slides in place to replace the slotted bottom plate. In order to raise the internal water level to the same level as the outflow pipe, it must not leak. To make a removable bottom plate and seal it without silicone is beyond many DIY'ers.

The outflow pipe and flange also fit in the fragile skimmer body without threads or sealants. Yet, they don't leak and are removable for cleaning. This is also beyond many DIY'ers.

OO7 · #4 02/04/2007, 10:47 PM

pjf, you make it sound as if the Tunze is made of eggshell . . . . is it really that flimsy?

bph0013 · #5 02/04/2007, 11:06 PM

k, thanks for the response.

pjf · #6 02/05/2007, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by OO7
pjf, you make it sound as if the Tunze is made of eggshell . . . . is it really that flimsy?

I've owned a Remora and a Tunze. The acrylic plates on the Remora is twice as thick. One can throw the Remora collection cup on the floor and not break it. I would not dare throw a Tunze collection cup on the floor. I'm not saying that the Tunze is in fact fragile. It just looks fragile to me.

OO7 · #7 02/05/2007, 09:19 AM

Gotcha, thanks for the clarification.

ronreef · #8 01/11/2008, 01:20 AM

I'm trying to decide between the 9005 and the 9010 myself. Originally, I planned to buy the 9005 for a 23.5 gallon tank, but though to myself get the 9010 for a future tank upgrade. Would the 9010 be too much skimming for a 23.5 gallon nano tank?

pjf · #9 01/11/2008, 08:23 AM

Since you are planning for a future tank upgrade, I'd choose the 9010 because it has a more powerful pump than the 9005. Since the 9010 includes the sump kit, the cost difference is small.

If you are concerned with "too much skimming," you may want to read pages 32 & 33 of the manual (http://www.tunze.com/fileadmin/gebra...x9010.8888.pdf) that describes adjusting the water inflow.

trmiv · #10 01/11/2008, 09:11 AM

I would get the 9010. I had a 9005 with a sump kit and although it's a good skimmer, I feel the really short cup impacted skimming. The cup is so short that it doesn't take long for a good head of foam to build up and slow the skimming down. Here's a shot of what I'm talking about:

With the 9010's taller cup the foam has a chance to drop down the side and collect in the cup instead of creating this big mass of foam.