Need Help Picking New Skimmer.

[143gadgets]

I'm currently using the ATB 840. It works VERY well, but I really like the look and quality of my friend's Alpha 250. I'm getting a ton of micro bubbles in the display and its getting annoying. The Alpha is also much quieter. I have about 100g total water volume with a high fish and coral load. I was thinking of getting the 250, but it may be a little too much. So I may get the 200. Any thoughts? I may upgrade later so I don't wanna short myself. I was also thinking about the new 1050.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

ATB all day Chris, the 1050 is sick... JMO

 

[Sikryd]

I love my MSX 200

But if I had the extra $ I would definetely pick the Alpha 200 up.
The 250 seems like too much even for my 180g total volume.

 

[Poseidon]

I am VERY happy with my Warner K2 cone. There are NO Microbubbles below the bubble plate, so that would eliminate that problem too. I would rate this skimmer up to 200 gallons with a heavy load, I have it on a 90 with about 50 gallons of sump right now.

Check out my skimmer thread here....

 

[143gadgets]

I will say this... I am ANAL when it comes to Equipment. Looks, quality, and performance all play a major part in my decision. I have to have all three to be satisfied. One of the reasons why I'm not too thrilled about the 840 I currently have. However the new ones look promising. Thanks for your help everyone.

 

[143gadgets]

Stock list:
- Tomini tang
- Powder blue
- Yellow tang
- Barletts (10)
- Picassos (2)
- Glass Cardinals (3)

 

[Bruder]

I have an Alpha 250 and it is a beast. Best investment I made for my tank.

 

[143gadgets]

Bruder - What size tank are u running it on? Have u done any mods to it? Pics? Thanks!

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

I have to be honest Chris when I first saw the 840 in person I wasn't overly impressed... different animal than my Medium or what I suspect they've done with the new line.

 

[Bruder]

Ha, well. Right now it is ripping through about 80 gallons of water, but I am adding a 120 or 150 very soon. I have to feed the skimmer it is so big. No mods. I don't know what mods are out there, but I think it is a mighty fine piece of equipment, no need for a mod.

Excuse the mess :wink:

 

[143gadgets]

What do u mean by feed the skimmer? Having any trouble skimming the smaller amount of water?

 

[143gadgets]

I have to be honest Chris when I first saw the 840 in person I wasn't overly impressed... different animal than my Medium or what I suspect they've done with the new line.

Yeah. it was a bit disappointing to me. thats Why I'm really excited about the new ones.

 

[Bruder]

What do u mean by feed the skimmer? Having any trouble skimming the smaller amount of water?

I toss in some extra food to keep the skimmer busy :wink: I don't have problems with it on a small tank, but I find that there isn't a constant pull because it doesn't always have anything to do (if that makes sense!)

 

[143gadgets]

Yeah. I really think with my bio load and feeding Ill be able to support a larger skimmer like it or the atb 1050 w/ airstar.

 

[Sikryd]

Yeah. I really think with my bio load and feeding Ill be able to support a larger skimmer like it or the atb 1050 w/ airstar.

Your probably right! on the feeding part.

Just like me.. I like to feed em' :tongue:

I might have to pick up an A 250 one of these days.

Just sold some stuff to pick up the APEX...

So do you have the Alpha on the way yet?!?!? I know I would pick it up right away if I had the spare $.

I like how it looks, works, quality and the price isn't all that bad. I'm anal about that stuff too - but at the time I think the wife was still getting used to the idea of spending $1000 just for a light fixture!
Plus its in my sump under my tank which is already crammed - so no real way to "enjoy" it like your setup.

 

[Mchava]

Well cant really say much about the ATB's or the Alpha's. But I do run a BK supermarin250 in my tank. I love it cause I can feed my fish and it pulls all of that stuff out. I think I would go with the alpha250. If you feed like I do youll be cleaning the collection cup often.