Skimmer Q&A Thread Lighting, Hardware, DIY Discussion Discuss Skimmer Q&A Thread in the General Reef Discussion forums; Thanks mojo, thats probably the one I will look into....

[aerius007]

Thanks mojo, thats probably the one I will look into.

[143Gadgets]

Alpha 200 on 90g tank. 24 hours

[mojo]

I am uploading pics of teh alpha 170 on my 90g now. Some side by side with the ATB 840 v 1.5 as well.

[mojo]

Originally Posted by aerius007

Thanks mojo, thats probably the one I will look into.

no ad if you see something that catches your eye just let us know. I am sure between myself, gadgets and CSMguy someone should be able to help you out.

Mojo~

[mojo]

Here are a couple pics of the new guy.

[143Gadgets]

Nice bro! That Red Dragon is huge.

[mojo]

its the same pump on all three alpha 170 200 and 250 from what I gather. Its the pinwheel in the 170 that is smaller that helps detune it.

[amore169]

Great thread!!

[Nht]

Hey mojo. I need your expertise my friend. I'm currently running an ATI BM160 on a medium bioload 120. What would be th best bang for the buck skimmer for me? The ATI is skimming really well but like all reefers I just want more oomph. Only thing is my skimmer section is limited as it is a mere 12x13 so I know it doesn't leave me with many options

so what do you think? Should I stick with the ATI or go with something better?

[VanillaGorila]

tagging along.

[aerius007]

Originally Posted by mojo46825

no ad if you see something that catches your eye just let us know. I am sure between myself, gadgets and CSMguy someone should be able to help you out.

Mojo~

I think that Tunze should work perfect actually. I was hoping to spend around $100 since I dont need anything big but the feedback on the Tunze is great plus it has a really small footprint. I have a guy local thats great with acrylic and helped me with my current sump, I think Im going to have him make a custom sump to fit in the biocube stand. Heres a pic of the stand-alone chambers he made for my rubbermaid w/ an Octo X 200.

[mojo]

Originally Posted by Nht

Hey mojo. I need your expertise my friend. I'm currently running an ATI BM160 on a medium bioload 120. What would be th best bang for the buck skimmer for me? The ATI is skimming really well but like all reefers I just want more oomph. Only thing is my skimmer section is limited as it is a mere 12x13 so I know it doesn't leave me with many options

so what do you think? Should I stick with the ATI or go with something better?

Well the ATI was one of the hottest skimmers out for a short while. However they were some what plagued by being made of thinner material and breaking in shipping.
The ATI is still a good skimmer, But for a 120I would look at a bk mini 180 gen 2, an ATB 840, a warner marine as 200 or a k2. The vertex in 180 would also be a good fit. The real question is if you just want a new skimmer or one worth the money spent. The ati is using a sicce pump and does a good job. ome of the newer designs will be more effecient. But is it worth the added cost? Thats really up to you.Depending on what you want to spend. I would say your ati will skim as well as the vertex skimmer. But after that you will start seeing some improvements in performance with the atb, BK and WM skimmers. Butthey will all cost more. Sorry if i didnt directly answer your question but most people dont already have a good skimmer. most have none. lol or a real piece of chorizo. lol.
So yes you will gain some performance but not in a budget skimmer.

Mojo~

[Nht]

Thanks for the quick response Mojo. With all the skimmers you suggested, Would they all fit in my space limited skimmer area of only 12x13?

[mojo]

The ATB 840 and the bk should fit in that area. But the bk mini is $999. Awesome skimmer and its so easy to use.

[mojo]

i ll have to get some action shos of the 170 up here soon. probably tomorrow.

Mojo~