Tunze 238 Skimmer questions

[Limulus]

Hi Roger,

I started using a Tunze 238 series skimmer a couple months ago that I bought new from John Burleson (and stored in my closet!) when he stopped distributing Tunze several years ago. I know it is an out of date model but I was wondering if you could tell me what size tank this skimmer was rated for? It seems quite a bit underpowered relative to more recent Tunze skimmers I've seen. I have never used it before (i.e., it is "new") but have had it in a tank (35 gallons) for a couple of months now.

Is there a way to upgrade this with a stronger turbelle or should I not bother? Alternatively, I was thinking of removing the Turbelle and using it as a powerhead, is there mounting hardware I could use?

thanks for any suggestions

[rvitko]

It is expensive to convert to a powerhead, it would convert to a 1500 Turbelle which does 427gph and the cost would be about $50 with all the required parts for a powerhead that as a new model 1600/2 sells for just under $100. The 238 was the System or rail mount version of the 233 which preceded the 220/3. It is rated to 105 gallons of a softy reef/ dutch reef or fish only and that would translate to about 55 gallons of SPS.

[rvitko]

I forgot to mention it cannot be upgraded, the skimmer body and cup are different as well as the pump. The cost would be prohibitive.

[Limulus]

Thanks Roger. Should be fine for my 30g - maybe I'll just raise the salt a bit and tinker some more to optimize.