ATB 840v2 or Alpha Vertex 200

larryl · Jul 1, 2011

Which skimmer is better for my setup? I have a 165 display with a 75 gallon sump. I currently have a reef octopus 200. I can get a ATB 840 for $650 and the Alpha 200 for $800. I have a heavy bioload and not much room in my sump.

reefknight · Jul 1, 2011

I recently ran into the same question that you are asking. I have a 185gal display with a 50gal sump, planning a heavy bioload. I purchased a used ATB 840v1.5 and UPS broke it during transit, figures. After dealing with the claims issue and getting reimbursed, I sought out another skimmer. I was lucky enough to find someone selling an Alpha 200 for just a few dollars more than what I paid for the ATB, so I jumped all over it. I'm glad that I did! Within 8hrs being installed the Alpha 200 had 1/4" of skimmate built up. Within 24hrs a good 1/2"+ and its dark, olive green. Within 48hrs of being on the tank my water was crystal clear, nice! I'm glad fate worked the way it did, because I now have a skimmer that will stand up to anything that I can throw at it. As a matter of fact, the person that I bought the ATB from only sold it because he bought an Alpha 170. I'm sure the ATB would have been good for awhile, but not so sure about the long run. Go big, I can't think that you would regret it.

I'm also in the same boat as you when it comes to sump space. I had to turn off, disconnect all my valves for drains/ returns, drain my sump and slide it out of my stand to install my Alpha 200. Only to find that the skimmer cup and neck is so large that I can't take it out to clean it, lol! I have to find a way to mod my stand so that I can correct this oversight.

Good luck!

larryl · Jul 2, 2011

Thanks for the advice. What skimmer did you have before? And how many inches of water is your alpha sitting in?

sportzfish · Jul 2, 2011

reefknight said:
I recently ran into the same question that you are asking. I have a 185gal display with a 50gal sump, planning a heavy bioload. I purchased a used ATB 840v1.5 and UPS broke it during transit, figures. After dealing with the claims issue and getting reimbursed, I sought out another skimmer. I was lucky enough to find someone selling an Alpha 200 for just a few dollars more than what I paid for the ATB, so I jumped all over it. I'm glad that I did! Within 8hrs being installed the Alpha 200 had 1/4" of skimmate built up. Within 24hrs a good 1/2"+ and its dark, olive green. Within 48hrs of being on the tank my water was crystal clear, nice! I'm glad fate worked the way it did, because I now have a skimmer that will stand up to anything that I can throw at it. As a matter of fact, the person that I bought the ATB from only sold it because he bought an Alpha 170. I'm sure the ATB would have been good for awhile, but not so sure about the long run. Go big, I can't think that you would regret it.

I'm also in the same boat as you when it comes to sump space. I had to turn off, disconnect all my valves for drains/ returns, drain my sump and slide it out of my stand to install my Alpha 200. Only to find that the skimmer cup and neck is so large that I can't take it out to clean it, lol! I have to find a way to mod my stand so that I can correct this oversight.

Good luck!

Can you hook up one of those AVAST Swabbies and Skimmate locker to make this chore more automated?

reefknight · Jul 3, 2011

I was running a KZ Revolution small w/ an Aquabee 2000/1 pump. I upgraded the skimmer due the pump as it is a point of sale, IMO. It wouldn't restart after any power outages or shutting it down for feeding/ maintenance. My Alpha is running in about 9" depth currently.

reefknight · Jul 3, 2011

sportzfish said:
Can you hook up one of those AVAST Swabbies and Skimmate locker to make this chore more automated?

I was considering that as an option as well. I probably will go with a skimmate locker, as I like the extra capacity for skimmate. I would like to eventually try one of the swabbies, but I'm not sure if I have enough height to allow clearance between the skimmer lid and the stand. If I can fit one in the cabinet, I would really like to try one to see if it'll help produce more skim with less maintenance on my part.

lps1212 · Jul 3, 2011

Id go with vertex alpha series I had the 250 and recently sold it for 800 the 200 is a monster also but I like royal exlusiv and upgraded to a bkmini 200 instead it was a spacesaver for me in my sump setup can't go wrong with the alpha series great skimmers imo

Redstag · Jul 4, 2011

I would go with the Vertex Alpha cone 200. I had a vertex alpha cone 250 in the past. This skimmer is rock but now I upgraded to another skimmer more stronger for my tank. Some of reefers got into the problem with the ATB 840 pump.

ReeferBean · Jul 5, 2011

The pump on the 840 v 2 is the sicce syncra pump... different than the pumps on the older versions and doesn't have the reported issues.... Plus it uses 23 w and is completely quiet. I have one and think its great. I've never used a vertex so can't comment on a comparison.

mojo · Jul 5, 2011

well that is kind of a apples to oranges comparison. The alpha 200 is more like the ATB 1050A . I think with your setup the Alpha 200 would be a better fit than the840. However the SRO 3000 xp would be better bang for your buck. Or the ATB 1050a would be even better.