ATB 840 seamless in white

[coral_lagoon]

well today I recieved my new ATB 840 cone skimmer, seamless body,in white. With that being said. I have been curious, and wanted to see for myself the performance differences between this skimmer and my current Vertix Alpha 170 .On my 60gallon SPS tank. Here are some pics..

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0054.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0049.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0052.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0057.jpg

The Alpha 170 doing its magic
http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0778.jpg

[vanillagorila]

looks good. tagging along.

[coral_lagoon]

Thanks pal.

I'm going to fire it up tonight..

[vanillagorila]

for your comparison did you get the large PPW also?

[FoothillCorals]

Honestly both of those seem to be overkill on a 60gal. IME something with a smaller neck diameter like a I-tech 100 would perform better. I would think both of your skimmers will have very similar performance on a 60gal tank.

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15653778#post15653778 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanillagorila
for your comparison did you get the large PPW also?

Do you mean the bigger impeller?



<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15653783#post15653783 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FoothillCorals
Honestly both of those seem to be overkill on a 60gal. IME something with a smaller neck diameter like a I-tech 100 would perform better. I would think both of your skimmers will have very similar performance on a 60gal tank.

I don't know about it being a "overkill". The reason why I say this, because I had this Alpha 170 running almost a couple of months on my 60gal. sps system. Not one time did it stop skimming(shut down), and I have only 1 fish in the tank to. Here I just cleaned the collection cup 2 days ago, and as you can see it's contuing skimming gunk.
http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0051.jpg

Now theres been alot of talk about smaller necks being better for smaller tanks. Well, from my experience and observations so far. I think the diameter on my Alpha is just fine for any tank, and its rating is 40-200gallons. Which sounds about right to me..

[vanillagorila]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15655084#post15655084 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coral_lagoon
Do you mean the bigger impeller?


yes, it will give you closer air draw numbers to the 170

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15655148#post15655148 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanillagorila
yes, it will give you closer air draw numbers to the 170

The guys over at Reef Specialty will ship out the 2nd, bigger impeller this monday to me. With that said, they told me that the bigger impeller would be a good idea to swap when I upgrade to a bigger tank..

[vanillagorila]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15655174#post15655174 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coral_lagoon
The guys over at Reef Specialty will ship out the 2nd, bigger impeller this monday to me. With that said, they told me that the bigger impeller would be a good idea to swap when I upgrade to a bigger tank..

yep, thats the way to go, small PPW on a smaller tank, large on a large one. I just though apples to apples, the air draw would be closer with the large.

did you get a valve for the cup drain?

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15655276#post15655276 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanillagorila


did you get a valve for the cup drain?

Looks like Im missing that part. Gonna shoot Mike an Email.. Thanks pal..

[vanillagorila]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15655529#post15655529 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coral_lagoon
Looks like Im missing that part. Gonna shoot Mike an Email.. Thanks pal.. I would just PM Victor (ATB USA) he'll take care of you.

[cobbobby]

Looks really nice. Definately run it in 10" water to get the sicce's full potential, with the large ppw. Will pry get 36-40scfh.

[vanillagorila]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15655564#post15655564 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cobbobby
Looks really nice. Definately run it in 10" water to get the sicce's full potential, with the large ppw. Will pry get 36-40scfh. whoa, no. people are running the 840's in 6.5-7" of water, at 10" it will overflow the cup. you don't have to run these in deep water.

[cobbobby]

If your only running a sicce in 6-7" your not going to get close to the max potential. It'll still work but will pry be around 30scfh in 6-7" water.

[vanillagorila]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15655569#post15655569 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanillagorila
whoa, no. people are running the 840's in 6.5-7" of water, at 10" it will overflow the cup. you don't have to run these in deep water. just check out the ATB forum, this is the recommended depth.

[victor90]

vanilla is right 10 inches it will overflow
small pinwheel you can use it in sump water level up to 9 inches
big pinwheel 6.5 to 8 inches

[Rwinfrey]

right but most are running 6 to 7.we will see on tues what the deluxe runs in;)

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15655555#post15655555 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanillagorila
I would just PM Victor (ATB USA) he'll take care of you.

I emailed Mike at Reef Specialty, and about 10 minutes later. Victor from ATB calls me. Wow, talk about customer service..
:thumbsup:

[vanillagorila]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15655939#post15655939 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coral_lagoon
I emailed Mike at Reef Specialty, and about 10 minutes later. Victor from ATB calls me. Wow, talk about customer service..
:thumbsup: +1 ATB (Victor) is the best. ;)

[FirstContact]

This is such a beautiful thread!

Is that the ATB 840 v1.5? Because the pics on Reef Specialty don't show it with the extra large diameter bubble plate with the holed pvc ring on the outside of the inner bubble diffuser.

[cobbobby]

I do really like how atb made this guy. All one color. That one cone out there has like 8 different color scheme's in it. Looks tacky. A++

[moondoggy4]

Very nice, both skimmers look great.

[drtrash]

Whats the footprint difference?

[FiReBReTHa]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15658565#post15658565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drtrash
Whats the footprint difference?

curious too, good thread so far!

[vanillagorila]

Update?

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15660083#post15660083 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanillagorila
Update?


Ive been slacking off a bit. Anyhow I have to see if the silicone drain hose on my Vertex will slip on to the ATB . Other than that since its a 3 day weekend. Ill have to wait until Victor@ATB sends me my collection cup drain valve and the silicone hose that attaches to it. So Im hoping to get it on Wed..

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15656389#post15656389 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FirstContact


Is that the ATB 840 v1.5? Because the pics on Reef Specialty don't show it with the extra large diameter bubble plate with the holed pvc ring on the outside of the inner bubble diffuser.

Thats a good question. Does anyone else know the answer to this?

[vanillagorila]

Yes it is.

[FirstContact]

Sounds great! Thanks for responding. Can't wait to see it in action.

[kc350twin]

Man, You have two killer skimmers there. Can't wait to see the action. Are you going to run them in the same sump? Also will they be at their recommended heights?

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15665116#post15665116 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kc350twin
Man, You have two killer skimmers there. Can't wait to see the action. Are you going to run them in the same sump? Also will they be at their recommended heights?

Lol :lmao: Thanks.

I wish I could do that but thats only a standard 10gallon glass tank/sump. I was really surprised that the big Alpha 170 fit in there perfectly.


I'm going to have the 840 standing in the sump ,the same way as I have the Alpha..

[Paulairduck]

I love these skimmers in white, to bad they will get coverered in FISH POOP!!

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15660197#post15660197 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coral_lagoon
Thats a good question. Does anyone else know the answer to this?

Yes the photo we have on our site was a mock up version of the current 840 1.5. We took some photos of the 840s this weekend and will get them up sometime this week. Look forward to seeing it in action. Soon as the Large pinwheels arrive we will be shipping it out along with your ATB T-shirt.

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15668830#post15668830 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
Yes the photo we have on our site was a mock up version of the current 840 1.5. We took some photos of the 840s this weekend and will get them up sometime this week. Look forward to seeing it in action. Soon as the Large pinwheels arrive we will be shipping it out along with your ATB T-shirt.

Sweet. I just got the T-shirt and the bigger wheel/impeller. Thanks.:thumbsup:

[FirstContact]

This thread rocks!!!!

[coral_lagoon]

I finally had the time to get my ATB up and running. It's been running about 4 1/2 hours now. I have the water level in my sump at 7 inches,water level in the skimmer is right at where the cup seperates from the body.The pipe is wide open. I think 5-7inches sump water level is ideal. Anything more would over flow it.Im going to probably lower it to 6inches or so. With that said, it's starting to build some foam already. Here are some pics..

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0097.jpg
http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0098.jpg
http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0099.jpg

I like the compactness of this skimmer. It fits even better in my 10gallon standard glass sump/tank compared to the Alpha 170. I also like how you can just pull the collection cup off. No need to unscrew it. Fast , and convenient when it comes time cleaning the collection cup. To be continued..

[vanillagorila]

don't take my word for it, but I think most 840 users are running theirs between 6.5 and 7". Maybe one of them will chime in. :)

btw, it looks good. already rockin and it will only get better once it breaks in.

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15681393#post15681393 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanillagorila
don't take my word for it, but I think most 840 users are running theirs between 6.5 and 7". Maybe one of them will chime in. :)

btw, it looks good. already rockin and it will only get better once it breaks in.

Perhaps your right, I'll give it some more time. I think by late tonight, early morning it should be broken in pretty well though.Thanks

[kc350twin]

Man fits in a 10gal. Nice!!!!!!! Looking good. Tagging along.......

[coral_lagoon]

The morning..:thumbsup:

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0101.jpg

[SHOW ANGELS]

Bad to the bone homie. Looks like you cant go wrong with either one.:beachbum:

[SHOW ANGELS]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15692692#post15692692 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SHOW ANGELS
Bad to the bone homie. Looks like you cant go wrong with either one.:beachbum:

Thanks pal..:beer:

[SHOW ANGELS]

Hey fellows heres a video of my sps tank. Now powered by ATB..:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htFYepzOzHA&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eyoutube%2Ecom%2Fuser%2Frapid25&feature=player_profilepage

[vanillagorila]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15697205#post15697205 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SHOW ANGELS
Hey fellows heres a video of my sps tank. Now powered by ATB..:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htFYepzOzHA&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eyoutube%2Ecom%2Fuser%2Frapid25&feature=player_profilepage poor tang :( he doesn't have anywhere to swim with all those beautiful corals.

[vanillagorila]

what do you think of the ATB in comparison to the Alpha so far?

[SHOW ANGELS]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15697215#post15697215 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanillagorila
poor tang :( he doesn't have anywhere to swim with all those beautiful corals.

I usually feed my tang once a day. I didnt feed him that night when doing the video. So he got all excited and was following me around. Hes pretty good after I feed him. He goes on his business grazing on the liverock, and swimming around, and under the liverock. Heres a video of him grazing and doing his thing.

http://www.youtube.com/user/rapid25#play/all/uploads-all/1/d4fRgf_Eai0

[SHOW ANGELS]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15697241#post15697241 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanillagorila
what do you think of the ATB in comparison to the Alpha so far?

I really like the ATB. Its more user friendly, and a bit more quiet compared to the Alpha. As we speak, it's doing a great job right now skimming up the gunk..:cool:

[SHOW ANGELS]

Don't want to confuse anyone here. Show Angels is my cousin, and Im at his house on his computer..:cool:

[coral_lagoon]

Just got back from Show's pad and heres a video I just took of the 840 in action..:thumbsup:

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/th_MVI_0113.jpg (http://s690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/?action=view&current=MVI_0113.flv)

[vanillagorila]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15697310#post15697310 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SHOW ANGELS
I really like the ATB. Its more user friendly, and a bit more quiet compared to the Alpha. As we speak, it's doing a great job right now skimming up the gunk..:cool: Another happy ATB customer!!! :thumbsup:

[drtrash]

Interested in the footprint of the ATB. My sump is 10x13.5 but I have a 3x3 overflow chamber in the corner. Would the 840 fit on an angle. Not sure if it can be rotated with pump and tube.

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15699245#post15699245 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drtrash
Interested in the footprint of the ATB. My sump is 10x13.5 but I have a 3x3 overflow chamber in the corner. Would the 840 fit on an angle. Not sure if it can be rotated with pump and tube.

As long as it sits flat, you will be fine..

[coral_lagoon]

Lastnight..

keep in mind I only have 1 fish in my tank. The rest is all sps corals..

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0122.jpg

[coral_lagoon]

Heres today

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0141.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0142.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0140.jpg

[coral_lagoon]

It started to get really stinky. So I cleaned out the cup this evening..

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0193.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0195.jpg

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv267/rapid25_2009/IMG_0196.jpg

[dphins]

Man that looks good. Can't wait for mine to start doing that.

[vanillagorila]

have you sold that Alpha 170 yet?

[vanillagorila]

dp

[Dooly]

skimmer looks like it's doing a good job, but when you say "just one fish", it's not a small fish, but a tang. Not a hippo, a purple, or ctenochaetus that may actually be the only type of surgeonfish that could be reasonably kept in a 2' cube.. but a fowleri that grows close to 2 feet..

I don't consider myself to be the "tang police" by any means.. but watching that video was just sad.

[Wd40]

Hey coral lagoon, are you getting any microbubbles coming out from your output?
Also how much smaller is the 840 then the 170?

[fernandokng]

Are you dosing bacteria?

[Rickyrooz1]

Awesome thread, I'm so glad you purchased both skimmers to do the comparison.

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15746733#post15746733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dooly

I don't consider myself to be the "tang police" by any means.. but watching that video was just sad.

My tang was pacing up and down in the video because he thought I was going to feed him. Other than that, he loves grazing on the liverock, and going out his business. With that being said, Perhaps we should be all condemned for not letting our tangs school out in open ocean..

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15746982#post15746982 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fernandokng
Are you dosing bacteria?

Im not dosing anything. Just drip kalkwasser at night, and do weekly water changes..










<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15746910#post15746910 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Wd40
Hey coral lagoon, are you getting any microbubbles coming out from your output?
Also how much smaller is the 840 then the 170?
No micro bubbles. The 170 is quite a bit bigger compared to the ATB

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15741331#post15741331 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanillagorila
have you sold that Alpha 170 yet?

Yeah I just sold it..

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15747328#post15747328 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rickyrooz1
Awesome thread, I'm so glad you purchased both skimmers to do the comparison.

Thanks pal..:thumbsup:

[Dooly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15747804#post15747804 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coral_lagoon
My tang was pacing up and down in the video because he thought I was going to feed him. Other than that, he loves grazing on the liverock, and going out his business. With that being said, Perhaps we should be all condemned for not letting our tangs school out in open ocean..

but your tang is literally comdemned in a prison, adequately housing a fish is one thing, but everyone is selfish in their own ways I guess..

[coral_lagoon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15751801#post15751801 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dooly
but your tang is literally comdemned in a prison, adequately housing a fish is one thing, but everyone is selfish in their own ways I guess..

Stop trying to spew garbage on to my skimmer thread. If you have a personal problem, then send me a private message..