Vertex Alpha 170 or ATB 840?

[yort265]

Which one would you go with on a 100 gal DT? and why?

 

[karsseboom]

The alpha is a lot better skimmer.

 

[mikeatjac]

The ATB was a great skimmer for me. Never saw an Alpha in action.

 

[E.intheC]

I've read a lot about both skimmers, and know people with both. The ATB consistently ranks high. The Alpha 170 has a large neck and a few of the skimmer gurus like Mojo~ say it's not balanced well.

ATB has better customer service and a cheaper pump to replace, if/when that becomes necessary.

 

[solitude127]

I think both will do a fine job but if you need customer service, Victor is great at ATB. If you buy the alpha from Premium Aquatics, they have top notch Customer service as well.

 

[chadfarmer]

How long to get replacement parts

 

[karsseboom]

I've read a lot about both skimmers, and know people with both. The ATB consistently ranks high. The Alpha 170 has a large neck and a few of the skimmer gurus like Mojo~ say it's not balanced well.

ATB has better customer service and a cheaper pump to replace, if/when that becomes necessary.

That issue was only with the very first generation. They fixed that issue years ago. You are basically getting a bubble king 180 at a cheaper price.

 

[solitude127]

How long to get replacement parts

Hopefully these 2 top quality skimmers won't need replacement parts.

 

[karsseboom]

Here is a video http://youtu.be/kZH3sSdGrtI