TUNZE 9004 Comline Doc Skimmer Electronic Foamer Instructions

TUNZE 9004 Comline Doc Skimmer Electronic Foamer

COMLINE DOC Skimmer 9004

General information
The COMLINE® DOC Skimmer 9004 is designed for the direct use in seawater as well as in mixed and soft coral aquariums up to 250 liters (65 US gal.) / 300 liters (79 US gal.), or in sensitive reef biotopes with hard corals up to 150 liters (40 US gal.) / 180 liters (48 US gal.).

1.  The skimmer cup also contains the foam reactor and can be removed easily.
2.  Contact surface / surface film removal.
3.  Compact housing protects the interior and the reactor against light and algae.
4.  TUNZE® Foamer 9004.040 / 9004.041, high air flow and low energy consumption.
5.  Silencer with a new design for an exceptionally quiet operation.
6.  Air control to set the moisture of the foam (only for 9004).
7. Contact surface / Water outlet with bubble eliminattion.
8. Including Magnet Holder up to a glass thickness of 12 mm (1/2”).

COMLINE® DOC Skimmer 9004 DC

General Information
The COMLINE® DOC Skimmer 9004 DC offers the same characteristic features as the COMLINE® DOC Skimmer 9004, but is additionally equipped with the electronic Foamer 9004.041, a controller and a power supply. The performance of the skimmer can easily be adjusted using the power regulation on the controller (1), thus providing a greater degree of flexibility, for example, in aquariums which are heavily polluted with proteins and which have foamy water.There is a special “cup cleaning” button to execute the cup cleaning process. It switches the pump off and on again, so that the cup can be removed from the aquarium without bubbles. The foamer will automatically switch on again after approx. 10 minutes, if the pump has not already been activated again through a repeated manual actuation of the “cup cleaning” button. If the foamer is stopped, the air jet will be rinsed with water. This significantly extends the maintenance intervals of the device.

Safety instructions

The COMLINE® DOC Skimmer 9004 / 9004 DC has not been designed for outdoor operation (1).Prior to initial operation, please check whether the operating voltage corresponds to the mains voltage available. In order to avoid water damage in the plugs, the mains plug should be fitted at a higher lever than the unit (2).Operation is permitted only with a residual-current-operated circuit-breaker fitted, max. 30 mA. Before working in the aquarium, please make sure that all electric units used have been disconnected from the mains. Do not repair a damaged mains cable – replace the pump completely. Temperature of the aquarium water: maximum +35° Celsius (95° F) (3).The connection to devices, such as electronic switches or speed controllers, of other makes is not permissible (4)!This device is suitable for users (including children) with limited physical, sensorial or mental abilities or without any experience or previous knowledge, if suitable supervision or detailed instructions on the operation of the device is provided by a responsible person. Please make sure that children do not play with the device (5). Keep the instruction manual in a safe place.

Safety instructions for magnet holder

Very strong magnet! (1)
Keep the magnet holder out of reach of children! Caution! Danger of injury! (2)Do not bring upper and lower magnet part together directly! Depending on the type, the parts of the magnet cling together on direct contact with about 30 to 200 kg (66 to 441 lbs.).Get hold of the magnet parts at the sides only; never get your hand or fingers between the contract surfaces (3)!Attracts metal parts and other magnets with a large force at a distance of below 10 cm (3.9 in.) ! When handling the magnet, no metal parts, other magnets, blades or knives should be located closer than 10 cm (3.9 in.) in order to avoid injuries. Exercise caution in case of magnetically sensitive objects, such as pacemakers, data carriers, credit cards and keys – keep a distance of at least 30 cm (11.8 in.)!Always use the piece of polystyrene supplied when transporting the Magnet Holder. (4) Heat of more than 50° Celsius (122° F) will lead to the destruction of the magnet or the loss of the magnetic action (4).

Safety instructions for TUNZE® power supply units

TUNZE® power supply units have not been designed for outdoor operation (1).In order to prevent water damage, the power supply unit should be placed as far away from the aquarium as possible. Operation is permitted only with a residual-current-operated circuit-breaker fitted, max. 30 mA.Before working in the aquarium, please make sure that all electric units in use have been disconnected from the mains. Do not repair a damaged mains cable – replace the unit completely.The connection to devices, such as electronic switches or speed controllers, of other makes is not permissible (2)!The Turbelle® Controller on the Comline® DOC Skimmer DC cable is susceptible to water and may be destroyed in case of water damage!The operation of the Comline® DOC Skimmer DC is permissible only with the original TUNZE® power supply unit. Mount the power supply unit in a dry and well-ventilated position only.
Do not mount in the vicinity of heat sources (3).Ambient temperature during operation: 0° Celsius (32° F) to +35° Celsius (95° F)Ambient humidity during operation: 30% – 90% Storage temperature: -25° Celsius (-13° F) to +80° Celsius (176° F); Storage humidity: 30% – 95%

Attachment

The COMLINE® DOC Skimmer 9004 / 9004 DC is equipped with two Magnet Holders (1) with a holding force for glass thicknesses up to 12 mm (1/2”).Prepare a suitable space at the glass pane. The glass pane must be algae-free inside the aquarium, the exterior must be dry and clean. (The outside part of the magnet holder is as waterproof as its inside part, consequently it can also be attached under water, e.g. when used on drainage shafts / overflow installations, in filter tanks, etc.)Mount the DOC Skimmer with its rubber ring at the glass pane (2). The black and blue rubber rings might be mounted on the interior or exterior magnet depending on your favorite colour. Lead the exterior part of the Magnet Holder up to the glass pane from the opposite side slowly and carefully (3).

Attachment
The Comline® silencer (4) can be placed on the rear of the device. However, it was specially designed for direct fixation on the exaternal magnet holder (5). The air control (6) should be easily accessible. The Comline® silencer should not be immersed in the aquarium water!

Accessories

Magnetic Extension 6025.515 (7) externally installed on the aquarium, extends the holding force of the Magnet Holder 6025.512 for use on glass with a thickness of up to 15 mm (2/3”) .

Position selection / installation
Place the COMLINE® DOC Skimmer 9004 / 9004 DC in a corner of the aquarium so that it can be operated easily (1), and the skimmer cup is easily accessible.There must be enough room above the skimmer, to be able to remove the skimmer cup vertically without hitting the frame or the lamp (2). This is necessary because part of the foam reactor is connected to the foam cup.Never install the COMLINE® DOC Skimmer next to a circulation pump. Never direct the discharge stream of a circulation pump directly towards the COMLINE® DOC skimmer, as this could adversely affect the efficiency of the skimmer.The water level in the aquarium should coincide with the surface suction (3). For this, we recommend a water level control with the separately available TUNZE® Osmolator® or Osmolator® nano.
Caution!
The aperture on the rear of the skimmer is not intended for fixing the Osmolator®! It must be kept clear in order to ensure a regulation of the foam level.

Installation in aquariums with covers

In aquariums with covers an installation of the COMLINE® against the glass is only possible with a modification (1). For this, the two supplied spacers for the magnet 3162.500 (2) should be mounted between the COMLINE® and the magnet, to create a spacing of 15 mm (2/3”) . Remove the Magnet Holder from the COMLINE® with a screwdriver (3). Clip the spacer for the magnet onto the COMLINE® (4).Clip the Magnet Holder onto the spacer for the magnet (5). Mount the COMLINE® into the aquarium (6).

Commissioning

Mount the skimmer firmly – this is essential for efficiency and low noise operation of the device. The water level in the aquarium should match the surface mark (1). No circulation pump should stream in the direction of the skimmer
Connect the plug to the power outlet; the foamer is now in operation.Turn up the air capacity with the air control (only for 9004) (2) or the DC controller (only for 9004 DC) (3) to the extent, that the air bubbles rise up in the middle of the reactor.The air control (2) is not included in the scope of delivery of the DC version!It is possible that a newly operated skimmer requires a start-up phase of a few hours up to a day. In case of aqueous foam the air control must be closed slighty or position the device a few millimeters (about .2 in.) above the marked water line (1).In case of dark foam the air control must be opened somewhat or position the device a few millimeters (about .2 in.) under the marked water line. Only adjust in small steps! After stabilizing the skimmer the air control (2) can be set completely to “+”.

Skimmer cup ”Holiday” 9004.145 with foam eduction (optional)
The original foam cup 9004.140 can also be replaced with a special “Holiday” foam cup 9004.145 (1). It includes a matching hose connection, as well as a 2 m (79 in.) silicone hose, that will enable the collection of significantly larger foam quantities which are then, for example, collected in a bucket, cup or directly discharged into the drain. For aquariums during holiday/vacation, for professional systems, larger aquariums, etc. Caution! The foam container must have a volume that is sufficient for the collection of the foam water. If the container is too small, the water could overflow! The “Holiday” cup should be cleaned at least once every month!Insert the plastic angle (2) into the hole of the skimmer cup depending on the desired orientation (3), and screw on the nut (4).Plug the supplied silicone hose onto the included angle (5), and install them into the system. It can also be replaced with a conventional aquarium hose 12/16 mm (1/2” to 2/3”). Close the skimmer cup with the original cover. Caution! Always route the silicone hose with a downward slope, as the foam water unable to flow uphill!

COMLINE® DOC Skimmer 9004 / 9004 DC as contact skimmer (delivery state)
The COMLINE® DOC Skimmer 9004 / 9004 DC is factory-fitted as a contact skimmer.
The water in the skimmer circulates in a closed circuit, the protein supply from the aquarium is automatically performed through osmotic diffusion on the two contact surfaces (1) / (2) of the COMLINE® DOC skimmer. This TUNZE® contact skimming process ensures that almost no living plankton is drawn into the pump circuit, but only pure protein. This guarantees a certain amount of important substances and carbon at the disposal of the animals in the biotope. In aquariums with strongly foaming water, the contact skimming prevents the formation of bubbles at the outlet of the skimmer.

COMLINE® DOC Skimmer 9004 / 9004 DC as a countercurrent skimmer
With various seawater biotopes it can be advantageous to use the COMLINE® DOC Skimmer 9004 / 9004 DC as a countercurrent skimmer. This is e.g. the case when the device is used as a ”stand alone” solution, i.e. when the skimmer is operated in a biotope alone, and without an additional filter system. If the device is used correctly dimensioned (e.g. 70% reduction = for aquariums up to max. 80 liters / 21 USgall.), the water circulation through the DOC Skimmer ensures efficient surface suction and a stronger oxygenation of the water.The water is sucked in at the upper contact surface (1) and is flushed out again at the lower contact surface (2) of the device.
Modification as a countercurrent skimmerFor this purpose, the COMLINE® DOC skimmer should be dismantled (see ”Complete maintenance / disassembly”) and the motor housing cover 0900.110 (supplied as an accessory for the Foamer) should be inserted in the motor block (3). After the modification is concluded, reassemble the various components in the reverse disassembly order. The upper contact surface (1) now serves as surface suction, the lower contact surface (2) as water outlet.

Bubble formation at the output of the skimmer
Especially in operation as a countercurrent skimmer and during the run-in phase, as well as while feeding the animals (organic nutrients, amino acids), it is possible that fine air bubbles are discharged at the outlet (at the lower contact surface) (4). These air bubbles are created when the aquarium biotope is oversaturated with oxygen.Even if a filter wadding is used which is not prewashed, the water can be very foamy, the DOC skimmer can possibly overflow and definitely produce many small air bubbles.Except for seahorses, this bubble formation usually isn’t harmful to animals.For the non-electronic version DOC Skimmer 9004, we recommend to always use the full air flow performance, and to position the unit slightly higher within the aquarium in case of an excessive foam development.The electronic version DOC Skimmer 9004 DC is supplied with the Turbelle® controller and contains a convenient pump control for regulation.The bubble formation will usually disappear by itself after the run-in phase or within a few days. In operation as contact skimmer (delivery state) the 9004 / 9004 DC remains completely bubble-free.

Ozone addition (for 9004 as counterflow skimmer)
Ozone provides very clear water and is a good remedy for the coral disease RTN (Rapid Tissue Necrosis) in hard coral aquariums. When using the ozonizer (1) with the DOC skimmer 9004, the silencer should not be used. In order not to reduce the performance of the skimmer do not extend the 4 x 1.5 mm silicon air hose.We recommend and ozone addition for a reef aquarium with hard corals, only in small amounts of 1 mg of ozone per 100 liters (25 USgall.) of water. The addition of ozone will make the skimmer water lighter in color, and an excessive addition of ozone will reduce the skimmer performance. Important note: Uncontrolled long-term ozone use can cause health implications as well as damage to electrical and plastic parts (= embrittlement). Plastics which are exposed to a prolonged contact with ozone, will become brittle and are prone to breakage.

Installation only for Comline® DOC Skimmer 9004 DC
Plug the connector (1) from the power supply 5012.010 (2) into the appropriate socket (3) on the Turbelle® controller (4), then connect the power supply to the plug (5).

Automatic shut-down:
The pump will be stopped immediately in case of blockage or if the system runs dry. After the blockage has been removed, the pump will start up automatically after a delay of 30 seconds. The pump control is thermally protected. The power supply unit is protected against short-circuit and thermal overload.

Detaching the pump cable
For installation purposes, the pump cable can be detached from the controller: Remove the setting buttons with a small flat-head screwdriver (6). Remove both screws on the rear side of the housing (7). Remove the plug from the circuit board, and reattach it after the successful installation (8).

Weekly maintenance

To empty the skimmer cup, disconnect the foamer from the mains power, completely lift up the foam cup (1), remove the cover and place the reactor on the cover in order to prevent spills (2).After emptying the foam cup clean it with water and the included brush.Reinsert the foam cup and switch on the Foamer. The skimmer will quickly deliver its usual performance again.After larger maintenance efforts in the aquarium, the start-up phase take a few hours (skin oils and suspended matter). Depending on the biotope habitat and water stress, the foam productions may be higher or lower. The cup cleaning must be performed regularly. During Foamer standstill, the air jet will be rinsed, which leads to significantly prolonged maintenance intervals of the device.

Procedure in case of reduced performance

This skimmer is based on an extraordinary air flow. A reduction of the air volume greatly reduces the performance and increases the bubble formation at the output of the device. For this reason, it is very important that the air path from the silencer to the foamer remains free and clean, especially at the air inlet of the foamer. For this, there is a simple cleaning method without having to remove the Comline ® DOC Skimmer from the biotope. Remove the skimmer from the power supply and take it out of service.Remove the silencer from the silicone tube (1) and check for contamination, if necessary rinse. Completely fill a 5 ml syringe (0.17 fl. oz.) (2) (as in a water test) with vinegar essence (food) and inject into the silicone tube (3). With this small amount of vinegar essence there is no risk for the aquarium, not even for small biotopes. Allow to act for 15 minutes to dissolve limescale deposits. Re-start the skimmer and allow the aquarium water to suck through the silicone hose for about 30 seconds (4) – the airway is then rinsed out. Replace the silencer and monitor it for a while so that the skimmer cup will not overflow.

Complete maintenance / disassembly

A maintenance of the entire system must be performed in the event of a malfunction or a significant decrease in performance. Under unfavorable conditions, such as excessive sludge formation or in case of a decreasing performance, the intervals must be shortened .During this time skimming will not be performed, however, this generally poses no risk to the animals and the skimmer will catch up quickly after it is reinstalled. Disassembly can be done without tools.Shut down the Foamer, and remove the skimmer cup and the DOC skimmer from the aquarium with the help of a small container.Remove the silencer from the silicone hose (1) and check for contamination, rinse if necessary (see “Maintenance of the silencer”).Loosen the latch hook of the skimmer panel (2) and open the housing by simultaneously applying pressure to the points (3), and open the housing or firmly slide off the panel towards the front at the upper point (4). Rugged TUNZE® plastic – no risk of shattering!

Remove the Foamer from the plate (5).Disconnect air hose from the Foamer (6).Perform maintenance of the Foamer, see Comline® Foamer 9004.040 / 9004.041 / maintenance.The air line must be free and clean.Thoroughly rinse the housing and remove any algae. After the maintenance is concluded reassemble the various components in reverse disassembly order. Place the housing and panel onto a flat surface (7) and slide them together. The silicone hose may not be kinked!

Maintenance of the silencer

The silencer should be serviced at least once a year or more often if the air is very dusty (e.g. in shops).To do this, remove the black cover on the silencer (1), remove the air control (2), pull off the silicone hose (3), remove the foam (4) and rinse the parts well under tap water (5). Then reassemble the silencer, with or without a scroll wheel (2), depending on the skimmer model.

 List of parts

 | 9004.000| 9004.001 DC|  | COMLINE ® **DOCSkimmer**|
---|---|---|---|---|---
1| 9004.150| 9004.150| Schaumtopfdeckel| Skimmer cup cover| Couvercle de godet
2| 9004.140| 9004.140| Schaumtopf| Skimmer cup| Godet d’écumage
3| 3162.500| 3162.500| Abstandshalter für Magnet| Spacer for Magnet| Entretoise pour Magnet
4| 9004.480| 9004.480| Comline® Schalldämpfer| Comline® silencer| Silencieux Comline®
4a| 9004.482| 9004.482| Schaumstoffeinsatz, 2 St.| Foam insert, 2 pieces| Mousse, 2 pièces
5| 6025.512| 6025.512| Magnet Holder| Magnet holder| Magnet Holder
6| 9004.130| 9004.130| Obere Platte| Upper plate| Plaque supérieure
7|  | 7090.250| Turbelle® Controller| Turbelle® controller| Turbelle® Controller
7a|  | 7090.103| Schutzkappe16 mm| Protective cap 16 mm (0.63 in.)| Obturateur 16 mm
7b|  | 7090.400| Wandhalter für Controller| Wall mount for controller| Support mural pour Controller
7c|  | 7090.102| 3 Drehknöpfe für Controller| 3 rotary knobs for controller| 3 boutons pour Controller
8|  | 5012.010| Netzteil| Power supply unit| Alimentation secteur
9| 3162.100| 3162.100| Gehäuse| Housing| Corps
10| 3166.050| 3166.050| Kappe H7A, ø 19mm| Cap H7A, ø 19 mm (0.75 in.)| Obturateur H7A, ø 19 mm
11| 9004.170| 9004.170| Untere Platte| Bottom plate| Plaque inférieure
12| 9004.160| 9004.160| Schäumerplatte| Skimmer plate| Plaque d’écumeur
13| 9004.120| 9004.120| Abschäumerblende| Skimmer panel| Ouverture d’écumeur
14| 3162.140| 3162.140| Deckel hinten| Rear cover| Couvercle arrière
15| 9004.040| 9004.041| Comline® Foamer| Comline® Foamer| Comline® Foamer
16| 0220.505| 0220.505| Bürste| Brush| Brosse

General information

The COMLINE® Foamer (1) is a special air generator that works according to the dispersant principle for protein skimmers in seawater aquariums. Its energy saving pump provides a very high reliability with a low power consumption and maintenance requirement.The initial running noises of the pump will diminish after a one to two week run-in period.This device is only suitable for users (including children) with limited physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, if adequate supervision or comprehensive instruction concerning use of the device is provided by a responsible person. Make sure that children do not play with the device (2).

Technical data 9004.040
Mains connection: 230V/50Hz (115V/60Hz), cable length 2 m (78.7 in.) Maximum air capacity: 150 l/h (39.6 USgal./h) at 150 mm (5.9 in.) immersion depthPower consumption: 4 WTechnical data 9004.041For 12V power supply unit 5012.010: 100-240V/50-60Hz Cable length up to the Turbelle® controller: 3 m (118.1 in.) Maximum air capacity: approx. 200 l/h (52.8 USgal./h) at 150 mm (5.9 in.) immersion depth Power consumption: 5 – 10 depending on air flow performance

Safety instructions

Do not operate pumps without water.Use pump with a 2 m (78 in.) cable in an aquarium only; outdoor operation is permissible only with a 10 m (393 in.) rubber cable (1).The pump must not be used in a swimming pool. Prior to initial operation, please check whether the operating voltage corresponds to the mains voltage available. In order to avoid water damage to the plugs, the mains plug should be fitted at a higher lever than the unit (2).Operation is permitted only with a residual-current-operated circuit-breaker fitted, max. 30 mA.The operation of the electronic Foamer is permissible only with the original TUNZE® power supply unit.Before working in the aquarium, please make sure that all electric units used have been disconnected from the mains. Do not repair a damaged mains cable, but replace the pump completely. Temperature of the aquarium water: maximum +35° Celsius (95° F) (3)

Maintenance / disassembly

Regularly clean the complete Foamer and the drive unit thoroughly. Under unfavorable conditions, for example, a high lime content, excessive sludge formation or failures, shorter intervals are necessary.Remove pump cover (1).
Remove and clean the drive (2), remove the existing debris from the gyro with the needle.Clean the air inlet (3) of the impeller cover.If used, remove motor cover (4) and rinse pump chamber. If the drive unit is no longer able to move due to liming or dried debris, do not apply force! Soak the pump and drive for about 24 hours in diluted acetic or citric acid, then rinse off the cleaning agents thoroughly.

List of parts

 | COMLINE ®

Foamer

9004.040

| COMLINE ®

electronic Foamer 9004.041

|
---|---|---|---
1| 9004.015| 9004.151| Motorblock| Motor block| Bloc moteur
2| 0900.110| 0900.110| Motorgehäusedeckel| Motor housing cover| Couvercle moteur
3| 9004.042| 9004.042| Kreiseldeckel| Impeller cover| Couvercle de turbine
4| 9004.047| 9004.049| Antriebseinheit| Drive unit| Entrainement
5|  | 5012.010| Netzteil| Power supply unit| Alimentation secteur
6|  | 7090.250| Turbelle® Controller| Turbelle® controller| Turbelle® Controller
6a|  | 7090.103| Schutzkappe16 mm| Protective cap 16 mm (0.63 in.)| Obturateur 16 mm
6b|  | 7090.400| Wandhalter für Controller| Wall mount for controller| Support mural pour Controller
6c|  | 7090.102| 3 Drehknöpfe für Controller| 3 rotary knobs for controller| 3 boutons pour Controller

The illustration shows the individual parts supplied. The list of spare parts may also contain parts which deviate from the illustrations.

Guarantee

The unit manufactured by TUNZE® Aquarientechnik GmbH carries a limited guarantee for a period of twenty-four (24) months after the date of purchase covering all defects in material and workmanship. Within the framework of the corresponding laws, your remedies in case of a violation of the guarantee obligation shall be limited to returning the unit manufactured by TUNZE® Aquarientechnik GmbH for repair or replacement at the discretion of the manufacturer. Within the framework of the corresponding laws, the said shall be the only remedies. Consequential damage and/or other damage shall be excluded therefrom explicitly. Defect units shall have to be shipped to the dealer or the manufacturer in the original packaging together with the sales slip in a pre-paid consignment. Unpaid consignments will not be accepted by the manufacturer.Exclusion from guarantee shall exist also in case of damage caused by inexpert handling (such as water damage), technical modification carried out by the buyer or by connection to devices which have not been recommended.Subject to technical modifications, especially those which further safety and technical progress.Customers in USA, please refer to seperate Limited Warranty for United States brochure.

**Disposal

**

(in keeping with RL2002/96/EU)
The device and the battery may not be disposed of in normal domestic waste; it has to be disposed of in an expert manner.
Important for Europe: Devices can be disposed of through your community’s disposal area.

References

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