How do you select the right DOC skimmer for a marine aquarium?

Due to its biotope composition, every marine aquarium has a different sensitivity with respect to the organic load. Based on a standard marine aquarium with leather corals, the data on the suitable aquarium size may differ for other biotope compositions. For this reason, the aquarium volumes recommended for the skimmer should be reduced for more sensitive biotopes, if and when necessary.

Low sensitivity, no reductions

In leather coral aquariums with long-polyp corals and anemones, for example, the load of dissolved organic matter may be higher, sometimes it may even be vital.

The DOC Skimmer can be used for the recommended aquarium volume without reductions.



Average sensitivity, 40% reduction

Amedium organic sensitivity is usually found in mixed aquariums inhabited with leather and stoney corals (LPS). Filters, sponges, etc. can also be found there. A DOC skimmer that is designed for 1,000 liters (264 USgal.) is likely to only skim 40% of organic substances with this light pollution.

Thus, a DOC skimmer for 1,000 liters (264 USgal.) should be used for a tank with a maximum content of approx. 600 liters (158 USgal.).



Increased sensitivity, 60% reduction

Aquariums with primarily small-polyp stoney corals (SPS) require an especially high degree of purity. They should have no load of phosphates or nitrates worth mentioning. Good oxygen saturation and very clear water are the pre-requisites. In this type of aquarium, the DOC skimmer is frequently used as a "stand-alone solution".

Thus, a DOC skimmer for 1,000 liters (264 USgal.) should be used for a tank with a maximum content of approx. 400 liters (106 USgal.).



High sensitivity and high load,

70% reduction

Hard coral aquariums (SPS) with a high population of fish require an extremely high skimming capacity. The skimmer has to ensure the proper degree of purity for hard corals in case of an excessive fish burdening, whereas an especially high performance is required if it's used as a "stand-alone solution".

Thus, a DOC skimmer for 1,000 liters (264 USgal.) should be used for a tank with a maximum content of approx. 300 liters (79 USgal.).



Especially for Comline® DOC skimmers used as contact skimmers for breeding tanks with plankton, 70% reduction

Stone coral aquariums or other breeding tanks with plankton food require an especially high degree of purity. Good oxygen saturation and very clear water are the pre-requisites.

Thus, a Comline® DOC skimmer for 1,200 liters (317 USgal.) should be used for a tank with a maximum content of approx. 360 liters (95 USgal.)

The TUNZE® Comline® opens the way for compact aquarium components for internal operation, ultra functional, sophisticated, with clearly defined lines.

The Comline® is a multi-functional product line: Surface and substrate zone intake, high flow propeller pump filter, flash protein skimming, the system creates a natural environment in the aquarium with a compact footprint. The goal, more performance from less space. Comline® components meet these requirements and the visual harmony of the aquarium is maintained. It is no longer necessary to hide technical equipment in the aquarium; instead, it forms an integral part of it. The system is highly effective; all organic pollutants are removed from the environment directly, while the path the water has to cover is short and direct. The risk of leakage is almost zero. The highly efficient technology enables reduction of the volume of the internal equipment, as well as significantly reducing the energy consumption .

Comline® DOC Skimmer 9012

The large Comline® DOC Skimmer 9012 is designed for use in mixed seawater aquariums / soft coral aquariums from 200 to 1,200 liters (53 to 317 USgal.), or for sensitive reef biotopes with hard corals up to 500 liters (132 USgal.). It operates according to the TUNZE® flash skimming principle and acquires the water through an efficient surface suction with a surface film removal, and can therefore also be used as a "stand-alone" solution in the aquarium. The TUNZE® Foamer generates large volumes of fine air bubbles with a diameter between .1 and .3 mm (.004" - .012") and is especially quiet during the operation. Silicone buffers on the skimmer prevent the transfer of vibrations to the aquarium glass pane. The Comline® DOC Skimmer with a Magnet Holder for glass up to a thickness of 15 mm (2/3") is delivered installation-ready.

Flash Skimming

The flash skimming principle enables highly efficient foam production.

Organic-rich surface water is mixed thoroughly with small air bubbles in the TUNZE® Foamer. On the surface of the air bubbles, pollutants such as protein, cellulose, dead cells, etc. are adsorbed immediately, the air bubbles are very fine, with a diameter between .1 and .3 mm (.004" - .012"). The water / air mixture expands and stabilizes in the skimmer cup reactor, the water returns to the aquarium, and the protein-loaded air bubbles spill over into the skimmer cup. The patented anti-overfoaming system intermediate chamber prevents the skimmer from overfoaming and controls the skimmer performance, depending on the water level and organic load.

The particularly high efficiency of the flash skimming principle, compared to large skimmers with long contact time, is obtained because the substances adsorbed by the air bubbles are not released again, thus they don't return to the aquarium water.

High efficiency synchronous PM-motor

Energy Saving

The skimmer cup with a capacity of 0.7 liters (0.18 USgal.) also contains the foam reactor, which can be easily removed.

Air flow regulation and silencer for an exceptionally quiet operation.

Surface suction with surface film removal.

Intermediate chamber with a patented anti-overfoaming system.

Silicone buffers on the skimmer prevent the transfer of vibrations to the aquarium glass pane.

TUNZE® Foamer 9012.040, high air flow performance and low energy consumption.

Attachment with a patented Magnet Holder for a glass thickness of up to 15 mm (2/3").

Bubble-free outgoing water.