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Tunze 9002 not taking to replacement pump


jyg

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I got a used 9002 for free from a friend a few years ago and it ran pretty well (for a 9002). Now I know why the tank suddenly did not needed a heater anymore after installing the skimmer.... The 9002's pump must've been running hot and the other day, after it totally died, the ~13g tank began running running 4-5F cooler within a few hours. Anyhow, I bought a Rio 800 to replace it. I didn't want to wait for Tunze's replacement to be delivered and it was 50% more than the Rio. Both pumps are max rated at 210gph. Amazingly the 800 fits right in with the 9002's bottom cap on. I didn't even need any conversion hardware as it mates right up to the 9002's venturi. Too good to be true...

 

It is bubbling, but it seems to be bubbling too hard. It's almost all or nothing. I can get the bubbles to stop riding up at various levels by adjusting the screw, but it doesn't seem to effect the overall energy of the bubble flow or the bubble size like it used to. And, it's not skimming at all. Sometimes I can get it to bubble over and fill the cup in seconds. Otherwise, nothing. I've had it riding 1/3 or 1/2 up the cup's inner column for hours without it pushing skimmate out.

 

Is there something about the impeller from the Tunze that makes all the difference? I can't think of how an impeller effects a venturi that is inches downstream. Does a pump need to be broken in, in the same way a skimmer in general needs to? I've had this running for 24 hours at various levels of opening the venturi with no luck.

 

Any thoughts?

 

TIA,

 

jyg

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Thanks StevieT. You're probably generally right. But, it seems the issue has sorted itself out. About a day or so ago, so about 5 days in, the Tunze 9002 with the Rio 800 started skimming just fine. It's now producing skimmate at least as well for color and density as the original pump. I didn't clean the 9002 during the swap, so it's not as though it had to break in or "season" it again. Something about the pump has to break in? I have no idea. The original pump went kaput right in the middle of a GHA outbreak, so I'm just glad it's working now.

 

Also, the stock pump is nothing special. It's a regular old wheel, not a needle wheel or anything like that. It's amazing how well the Rio 800 not only fits perfectly in the bottom of the box, but without any adaptation the 9002's venturi plugs right in to the 800's outlet. Saves myself at least $25, and up to ~$125 if I were to replace the whole thing. The only modification was to cut/snap out the hook inside the 9002 that holds the pump cord. No biggie.

 

FYI, a link for the Rio 800 Only $20. Got mine local for $29, because I wanted it same-day. The Tunze replacement is about $42.

 

jyg

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I too am glad that it worked out for you jyg, but I have to add: every single Rio pump I have ever owned (at least 6) has failed within 15 months. I have had other pumps fail (original MaxiJets, Hydors, Jebaos, and the exact skimmer pump you had) over the years, but they always seemed to last much longer, with failure after several years (except for the Jebaos, which didn't last a year... :furious: ).

 

I would keep a close eye on that replacement pump, especially the pump housing (I have had them split). Also, that Tunze pump can be had for under $38 at Marine Depot, and seems to be based on a Sicce design, so probably worth the extra coin.

 

Good luck... ;)

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Polarcollision

Timely thread because my 9002 pump just stopped. When yours went down, did it start making larger and larger bubbles? I'm undecided if I should replace the pump or if there's a better skimmer out there now.

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Tunze 9001 if the 9002 was what was the best that fit when you purchased.

Timely thread because my 9002 pump just stopped. When yours went down, did it start making larger and larger bubbles? I'm undecided if I should replace the pump or if there's a better skimmer out there now.

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