Protein Skimmer Without ATO or Sump?

Benny Gyger · Feb 16, 2017

Hi. I have a 60 gallon FOWLR tank. Wanted to add a Tunze 9004 skimmer.. I don't run a ATO or have a sump. Has anyone ran this skimmer without also? Could I used a 5 gallon water jug for a sump? Has anyone done this as well? Pics?

reeferfoxx · Feb 16, 2017

They make HOB or hang on back skimmers.

ahiggins · Feb 16, 2017

I bought a http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...d=PLA_G_6194&gclid=CK2w0pDzlNICFYlWDQodOScOgA
other than about 3 weeks of micro bubbles (which I just put a filter sock over the return so it catches most of them) I love it.
All the bubbles are gone now and it works amazing. I just have a plain ol 40 breeder from petco.

Benny Gyger · Feb 16, 2017

Do you run a ATO or sump? Do you have to adjust it all the time? Have any pics?

ahiggins · Feb 16, 2017

Neither. It hooks up over the side and is ran on a 100% submerged pump. The over time I had to adjust was initially to get it to where I wanted it. The only time it goes super bubbly is when I feed roe. I just have to empty it once. It only goes super bubbly for an hour or so.

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 16, 2017

The tunze is a really good skimmer.
But I really really have to reccomend getting an ato. I'd actually reccomend the ato before a skimmer honestly.
eBay has a couple that are as Little as $40
You can diy a D.C. One for around $20.

When salinity slips all the other parameters do too.

ahiggins · Feb 16, 2017

I forgot I needed to adjust the lights lol but here it is on my tank. Lol if you want better pics, I'll take some tomorrow. It's a great piece of equipment for a really good price.
The submerged part:

The over the side part:

ahiggins · Feb 16, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
The tunze is a really good skimmer.
But I really really have to reccomend getting an ato. I'd actually reccomend the ato before a skimmer honestly.
eBay has a couple that are as Little as $40
You can diy a D.C. One for around $20.

When salinity slips all the other parameters do too.

I can agree with that buuuut I've seen way too many malfunctions to be able to trust them. I'll stick with adding a bit of water every other night lol
Those and dosers

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 16, 2017

ahiggins said:
I can agree with that buuuut I've seen way too many malfunctions to be able to trust them. I'll stick with adding a bit of water every other night lol
Those and dosers

lol. My diy lasted 2.5 in a 5g nano. One day I should probably buy a real one.

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 16, 2017

ahiggins said:
I bought a http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...d=PLA_G_6194&gclid=CK2w0pDzlNICFYlWDQodOScOgA
other than about 3 weeks of micro bubbles (which I just put a filter sock over the return so it catches most of them) I love it.
All the bubbles are gone now and it works amazing. I just have a plain ol 40 breeder from petco.

Hmm. I do like that though.. How deep is is? From the back of the tank to the wall?

Benny Gyger · Feb 16, 2017

That's pretty easy to make a ATO. I will prob get that going soon. I plan to get a Skimmer first. I don't mind watching the water level closely for awhile. Tunze 9004 or the RO classic?? The issue is the RO I'll have to pull my tank away from the wall a few more inches. And it's on carpet. Dang. But the tunze takes up tank space.

mcarroll · Feb 17, 2017

Tunze's Reefpack 100 may be the best option:
https://www.tunze.com/BR/en/products/details.html?user_tunzeprod_pi1[prodid]=0250.000

mcarroll · Feb 17, 2017

Room for heater and ATO sensor inside the filter module.

Preme · Feb 17, 2017

Yup they make HOB Skimmers which should solve your problem

mcarroll · Feb 17, 2017

Good place for their Osmolator nano

Benny Gyger · Feb 17, 2017

The Reefpack 100 is a skimmer and ATO in a package?

Benny Gyger · Feb 17, 2017

Thinking of buying the Reefpack 250 actually. Anyone have that one? It includes the ATO correct?

mcarroll · Feb 18, 2017

Space for the ATO and heater, like I said.

Perfect for their Osmolator Nano.
Comline® Reefpack 250
You can see the openings in the top for the heater and sensor wire of the filter module:

Check out the manual on that linked page.

(The larger and much more expensive Reefpack 500 does include the full-boat Osmolator.)

Water Dog · Feb 18, 2017

If you have no ATO and manually top off, an HOB skimmer will perform best as it is not dependent upon fluctuating water levels of a sumpless display tank. That will require you to move your tank out a little away from the wall to accommodate the HOB skimmer. If you go with an internal skimmer like the Tunze 9004, an ATO is essential / required in order for the skimmer to dial in properly and perform consistently.