Anyone with experience with these skimmers

A

AcuraCl1

New member
I am looking at changing my skimmer. I have around a 167G tank. Currently I have a ATI Bubble Master 250 skimmer, and it looks great, really havn't used it yet, since my sump broke. Will be getting a new sump next week. But after reading on it alot lately, it seems like it needs constant adjustments. Since I will be doing alot of traveling soon, I cannot afford to have a skimmer, that requires adjustments every other day. So I am looking at selling it, and going with one of the following skimmers.

I-Tech 200
ATB 840 v1.5
Reef Octopus Hurricone Cat 1 or 2
Reef Octopus Extreme
Alpha 200

For inside my sump, the max height would be 29", and for an external skimmer, the max height would be 30.
 
I have an I-tech 200 and it is by far the best one on your list in my opinion. The bang for buck is outstanding. Comparable skimmers to the I-tech cost 850-1000 bucks and the I-tech still outperforms them :-D Ceegee has a 100 I know he is happy with.

I set and forget my i-tech. It keeps consistent.
 
I think the I-techs are really nice also. I have experience with a Reef Octopus DNW-150, and I LOVE it. Set it and forget it. The only thing that I'm not sure I'd like in the Octos you listed might be the standpipe, they are finnicky at times, from what I've read. I've also read good things about the ATB skimmers.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15286888#post15286888 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AcuraCl1
Thanks, I am really liking the I-tech after reading about them. Which is the best pump for them.
Click to expand...

You have 2 options. A Sicce or a Tunze. I ahve both and have run both...her is my take

The Sicce does just fine. The only drawback tot he Sicce is that sometiems they can be a little noisy, althought hat was not the case with me. the other consideration is Sicce is a pain about warranty for pumps that were modified for skimmers.

The Tunze performs slightly better, but honestly, not enough to tell much of a difference. It is mroe expensive. Upside is that it is also quiet, and does carry a warranty.

If your water level in higher than the output by more than an inch, then the tunze is not ideal. You need to adjsut your water level for the pump or you might overflow with the tunze. The sicces had a more latitude in adjustment at my water height.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15286888#post15286888 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AcuraCl1
Thanks, I am really liking the I-tech after reading about them. Which is the best pump for them.
Click to expand...

You have 2 options. A Sicce or a Tunze. I have both and have run both...her is my take

The Sicce does just fine. The only drawback tot he Sicce is that sometiems they can be a little noisy, althought hat was not the case with me. the other consideration is Sicce is a pain about warranty for pumps that were modified for skimmers.

The Tunze performs slightly better, but honestly, not enough to tell much of a difference. It is mroe expensive. Upside is that it is also quiet, and does carry a warranty.

If your water level in higher than the output by more than an inch, then the tunze is not ideal. You need to adjsut your water level (or skimmer level off the bottom of the sump) for the tunze pump or you might overflow with the tunze. The sicces had a more latitude in adjustment at my water height.
 
There was a comparison done where an ATB was put side by side with an I-tech 200 in the same sump..the I-tech pulled twice as much skimmate out and it was darker than the ATB..just FYI.
 
Isn't the ATB twice the price of the I-tech?

I would also vote for the I-tech. In fact, I plan on getting one eventually. :)

Brandon
 
Brandon, Upgrading again so soon? You already have more skimmer than you need at the moment, No. Upgrade to a bigger tank, I'll sell you mine!
Scott, Why don't you try the skimmer you have B4 you say It's no good ? Seems like a total waste of money you said your losing your job and all! JMO.
 
:lol: The only problem with the Octopus is the noise. Not all of us can have dedicated space in our garage, Bill. :D The I-Techs run much quieter, but to be honest, I graduate (again...) in December, so hopefully within a few months after that will follow a job (if not sooner, I'm beginning to apply now) and thus, a bigger tank. :D

Brandon
 
HOLY CRAP! Man... what a deal! That's almost worth it to drive down there and pick it up. :D

To be honest, I'll be down there before too long for some diving... hmmm... :D

Brandon
 
My BM 250 takes up a huge foot print in the sump. And since I am getting a new sump next week, I had thought about selling my skimmer and getting another one, and having the sump built around it. Plus I was getting a ton of microbubbles in the sump from the skimmer pumps, not a big fan of how they mounted on the skimmer.

Does the I-Tech have an outlet on it for overflow to go to an external source. And is it seamless.

As far as the ATBs, they now have the 840 v1.5 for $665 plus free shipping with both small and large purple pinwheels for the ATB.
 
Yes, the I-tech is seemless, and it does have an outlet port. In sump works very well...and this is an in sump skimmer.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15289014#post15289014 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NeveSSL
HA! I love it! They've had to lower their prices (ATB). Sweet...

Brandon
Click to expand...

Yep..their"value" line..which still underperforms....Not a terrible skimmer, but between that and the I-tech....lol...I made my choice. The ATB regular line with their upgraded pump is still close 1000 bucks.
 
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