Skimmer Q&A Thread

[mojo~]

no need to mesh mod the skimmer just run it stock. it should be ok on your tank until you figure out what you want.

 

[rs1831]

do you know what the water level should be for best performance? What is considered overkill when it comes to protein skimmers?

 

[rs1831]

Sorry, one more thing. How does the warner marine k2 fit into the skimmers we've been talking about? How does it compare to the atb 840?

 

[mojo~]

Bubbleking 300 deluxe on a nano tank. lol.

The k2 and the 840 use the same motor block. THe ATB uses a custom volute cover to take care of any rotational issues. The k2 puls a little more air and uses a larger body. THe K2 is a physically larger skimmer that moves about the same amount of water as the 840. They boh work pretty well.

 

[launchnukes]

thanks for the suggestions guys. the ATB 840 & I-tech 200 seem pretty similar. is one better than the other?

also, i know running one of these will be WAY more efficient than my Aqua C 400 but will they also pull more skimmate?

thanks again

 

[launchnukes]

and one other question. is the ATB 840 and the ATB Small Cone Skimmer similar? the reason i ask is b/c i found a few small cone skimmers for sale but i couldn't find the specs.

thanks.

 

[mojo~]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15383050#post15383050 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by launchnukes
and one other question. is the ATB 840 and the ATB Small Cone Skimmer similar? the reason i ask is b/c i found a few small cone skimmers for sale but i couldn't find the specs.

thanks.

The small uses a ehiem pump and the 840 uses a mini airstar. THe 840 v1.5 uses a molded cone as well.

 

[Buganddoug]

Just my input. I have the K2 cone skimmer on my 180 gallon heavily stock setup and I really like this skimmer.
Daniel

 

[launchnukes]

if i go with the ATB should i get the ATB 840 (small cone) or the 1050A? like i said before, it's a 120 display and i plan to stock rather heavily and it will be about 150 gallons or so total water. my return pump will be putting about 800 or so gph into the overflows and past the skimmer if that matters. thanks.

 

[vanillagorila]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15385434#post15385434 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by launchnukes
if i go with the ATB should i get the ATB 840 (small cone) or the 1050A? like i said before, it's a 120 display and i plan to stock rather heavily and it will be about 150 gallons or so total water. my return pump will be putting about 800 or so gph into the overflows and past the skimmer if that matters. thanks.

for a 150g of total water volume I'd go with the 840. I have a med which is the same size as a 1050a on a 150g with about 170g total and I think its too oversized for my system. I'd like to downsize to a 840 but i can't sell my med.

 

[snaza]

would the ATB 840 handle an askoll 1500 pump or is the neck and body to small?

 

[vanillagorila]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15385674#post15385674 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snaza
would the ATB 840 handle an askoll 1500 pump or is the neck and body to small?

no way, too small.
the K2 might be able to. if I can't sell my K2, I'm going to try out my airstar pump on it.

 

[snaza]

Its just so hard to get a good skimmers here in Australia. the only cone skimmer we have is 8inch base and 4 inch neck. it has 2 crappy halia pumps. postage from the states is just soooo expensive plus you have 120v.

 

[gcarroll]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15385683#post15385683 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanillagorila
no way, too small.
the K2 might be able to. if I can't sell my K2, I'm going to try out my airstar pump on it.

That might be interesting.

 

[snaza]

Ok one more question. My Display will be about 180g and total will be about 250g. Mainly SPS with medium fish load.

would the Vertex Alpha 200 Cone do the job or would the 250 be better? Or could you recommend any other skimmer for the job. I will need to add another $200 for shipping to australia

thanks

 

[Buganddoug]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15385683#post15385683 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanillagorila
no way, too small.
the K2 might be able to. if I can't sell my K2, I'm going to try out my airstar pump on it.

I think you should try it out:rollface:

 

[vanillagorila]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15385959#post15385959 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gcarroll
That might be interesting.

yeah, I was going to do it a couple of weeks ago, but I've been trying to sell my K2 as new. but if no one buys it I don't see any reason not to try it.

 

[mightyevil]

Hey Mojo, what do you think of the reeflo 200? Is it better than any of the ones you recommended for me? (Cat 1 Hurricone, Vertex in 280 or MSX250A)

 

[mightyevil]

sorry ...mod please delete, thanks!

 

[mojo~]

The the new orca pro 1 is nice but it is big and external.