ATB or ALPHA

Between those two the deciding factor probably isn't performance, I would weigh price, customer service and features to decide. Performance is going to be there.
 
AS of right now I would say the ATB. I could go on and on about my reasons but end result is the same.
 
Re: ATB or ALPHA

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15013439#post15013439 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Wd40
Which cone u guys think performs better...
Thanx
Is all on the size of your tank a 180G+ tank i go with BK alpha.... a 80 /150 gallon tank ATB.
Yes it looks like mojo~ had some problems with the BK it was just to big for his tank. ;)
 
Mojo is probably the only person (other than Jeremy at PA) that has tested both. Therefore, his opinion is the most valuable. I'm not sure anybody else can say one is better than the other. We can simple describe our experiences and let others judge accordingly.

I have listed my Alpha experiences in the PA Forum. I've experienced both pluses and minuses but my aquarium looks better than ever, which should be the ultimate goal for all of us. I'm sure the ATB would provide the same type of benefit.

I think it is important to stress there is limited data on the Alpha. It has been on the market for only a few weeks. The opinions written thus far are based upon very limited data. Those of us with the skimmer will fill-in the unknowns over the next few months.

I'm sure the above really helped you reach a decision on which one performs better (LOL). You'll have to reach that decision on your own. I think both skimmers will do a superb job on any aquarium. Your critters will not know the difference :).
 
mr&mrsfish, What type of skimmer did you have in the past.
The amount of air that these newer skimmers are puling really helps your orp levels and can create clearer water and some noticable differences in your tank. I am glad to hear your alpha is making you happy. I think they are a good skimmer.
 
I would agree with zoom, if what he meant was "consider your bio-load carefully before going with the Alpha"

I have the Alpha 250, and think it is a little big for my bio-load; perhaps a Alpha 200 would have been a better match for my system.

If you have 300+ total water volume and a heavily stocked tank, the Alpha 250 would do great. Otherwise I'd consider a smaller Alpha (170 or 200).
 
well right now its between the alpha 170 (maybe 200) or the Atb econo 840 on my 150 sps with medium to heavy bioload...
 
I too am leaning towards an ATB 840 *** BUT *** in the opinion of you all, would changing the pump to an Eheim 1260/2 (for reasons of noise and quality) be considered:
A.) An upgrade.
B.) A downgrade.
C.) No difference, so don't do it.
D.) Other (supply your reason)

I'm not sure why, but I seemed to be hooked on Eheim products.

Thx.
 
***!!!
Im talking about Alpha Kones and ATB econos...
What in gods name are you doing talking about eheims GUY!!!
 
D. I don't think the added cost to change to the Eheim is needed. If you are using the small pinwheel on the Sicce, there are no restart issues at all. It also uses half of the electricity of the Eheim. I doubt the Eheim is quieter than the Sicce. The only reason I see for the Eheim is the assurance of the pump resarting every time vs the Sicce with the large pinwheel. It will all be your own personal preference.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15018306#post15018306 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Wd40
***!!!
Im talking about Alpha Kones and ATB econos...
What in gods name are you doing talking about eheims GUY!!!
My assumption is that he is referring to the pump that comes standard on the ATB Small.
 
Toolman, I dont blame you for liking Eheim pumps. They are some of the best out there. ATB did a great job with the Sicce pumps and I think you would be happy with it. I believe GSM has used both and will probably chime in.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15017168#post15017168 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mkarston
I would agree with zoom, if what he meant was "consider your bio-load carefully before going with the Alpha"

That is correct .


I like the Eheim pumps my self , Sicce pumps are ok but any one have one running for five years non stop ? I have three Eheim skimmer pumps running none stop for four+years now with very minimum maintenance serves .
I saw the large Tunze Master DOC Skimmers discontinue using the Sicce pumps , they now they using all tunze pumps.
I don't know But we will see how the Sicce pumps hold up on the long run .
 
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15018236#post15018236 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ToolmanRR
I too am leaning towards an ATB 840 *** BUT *** in the opinion of you all, would changing the pump to an Eheim 1260/2 (for reasons of noise and quality) be considered:
A.) An upgrade.
B.) A downgrade.
C.) No difference, so don't do it.
D.) Other (supply your reason)

I'm not sure why, but I seemed to be hooked on Eheim products.

Thx.

The ATB sicce has a custom volute and it keeps the pump quiet. Very nice sicce. I ran both pinwheels and had no issues on it.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15018236#post15018236 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ToolmanRR
I too am leaning towards an ATB 840 *** BUT *** in the opinion of you all, would changing the pump to an Eheim 1260/2 (for reasons of noise and quality) be considered:
A.) An upgrade.
B.) A downgrade.
C.) No difference, so don't do it.
D.) Other (supply your reason)

I'm not sure why, but I seemed to be hooked on Eheim products.

Thx.

I'd say doowngrade the mini airstar pulls the same amount of air with less vibration and noise at half the watts. Oh and the eheim is bigger. My large pinwheel starts just as easily as the small, starts the first time everytime.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15019002#post15019002 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Zoom
That is correct .


I like the Eheim pumps my self , Sicce pumps are ok but any one have one running for five years non stop ? I have three Eheim skimmer pumps running none stop for four+years now with very minimum maintenance serves .
I saw the large Tunze Master DOC Skimmers discontinue using the Sicce pumps , they now they using all tunze pumps.
I don't know But we will see how the Sicce pumps hold up on the long run .

Check out the tunze silence pumps there is a strikeing resemblence. I think the switch was more of a branding thing just like how the new deltec is obviously using an aquabee 5000 with a plastic cover and customvolute, but it's being called a deltec pump.
 
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