ATB Conical Shape Skimmer Club

[DT's_Reef]

Originally posted by jimdogg187
DT, The larger models come with new Airstar model pumps!!

Perry, the skimmer looks sweet! I'll bet it'll look better when its in your stand sucking the crud out of your tank

Do you know if the "larger" models include the "medium" size? Thanks.

[DT's_Reef]

Originally posted by DT's_Reef
Do you know if the "larger" models include the "medium" size? Thanks.

Nevermind, I have my answer as I just received the medium skimmer via UPS

I have to run back to work so I set it up adjusted on the "low" side, anticipating that the column will rise significantly by the time I get home.

[JCTewks]

Originally posted by DT's_Reef
Nevermind, I have my answer as I just received the medium skimmer via UPS

I have to run back to work so I set it up adjusted on the "low" side, anticipating that the column will rise significantly by the time I get home.

So, what's the answer?

[DT's_Reef]

Originally posted by JCTewks
So, what's the answer?

The answer is "no". The small and medium use an Eheim, and the large and extra large use a newer pump. It's my understanding that the newer pump requires a larger body to work well.

[ATB USA]

The airstar pumps put out too much air for the medium body
the airstar 1500 is doing 1500L/hr of air with a needlewheel
the airstar 2000 is doing 2700L/hr of air with a threadwheel
Also i liked the quietness of the eheim pumps
Once you fire up your skimmer you will see it produces a lot of foam these skimmers do not need that much air

[DT's_Reef]

Yes, the Eheim 1260 is *extremely* quiet....like nonexistent. I like it a lot.

[hahnmeister]

And just imagine, Laguna pumps are better than eheims even, and with the custom volute's very thick walls, these pumps will perform better than eheims.

[JCTewks]

which lagunas are being used? the 1500 and 2400?

[xinumaster]

The sticker on the pump on my Large skimmer model says MAX FLOW 1500.

[JCTewks]

i'm guessing that it will be the maxflo 2400 on the XL

[Waxxiemann]

Hey guys, I asked this in the ATB forum but it's kinda a ghost town. Maybe you can help me out.

Would the "small" or "medium" skimmer be better for a heavily stocked 130 (200 gallon total)?

Thanks a million!
Waxx

[ATB USA]

Waxxiemann
Actually I've tried to pm you back a few times since you pmed me but its always full
You are right on the max side rating of the small and in the middle of the Medium Of course the small would work but the medium would be better and it gives you room to upgrade your tank later.
Thanks

[Waxxiemann]

Sorry ATB!! I didn't realize my PM box was full. Thanks for the quick response.

[xinumaster]

Got the skimmer installed last night. The skimmer seats on an elevated eggcrate stand that I built so the skimmer is now seating 10" below water instead of the 12.5" with out the stand.

Here is a picture of the skimmer before it when in my sump.


Here is the skimmer after I feed my tank with cyclop-eez last night. By the way, the skimmer didn't get a vinegar bath. It went straight to my sump.



And this is what it look this morning when I woke up.

[xinumaster]

This is my old skimmer CS12-1 with 2sedra pumps (sedra 9000 and sedra 500). This is what skimmate I get 3 to 5 days after. I still like the build on this skimmer, though. The materials used are ticker, solid build and really feel heavy when you hold it.

[DT's_Reef]

Is there an optimum sump water level for the medium skimmer?

My sump usually has 6" or 7".

I installed my skimmer yesterday afternoon and had a thin layer of dark skimmate this morning.

[Canarygirl]

ATB, I am using the original nano w/eheim 1250 meshweel on my heavily stocked SPS reeftank (net gallons 145). Ed also sent me the needlewheel. Is there any advantage to swapping out the meshwheel for the needlewheel now, or should I keep it as backup incase I have a problem with the meshwheel down the road? I would imagine that the meshwheel pulls more air so I should use that instead (?)

[ATB USA]

DT's on the medium 7 to 8 inches is fine

[ATB USA]

Canarygirl
The only thing that the needlewheel did on the 1250 pump was reduce the microbubbles. If you are ok with the microbubbles I would just leave it. The mesh on the ATB pumps are easy to change out you just untwist the arbor in the middle and put on new mesh and trim to size. I have not forgotten about the manual the company is still doing the CAD design for it. I hope to send them out soon.
Thanks

[Canarygirl]

Thanks. For some reason I don't understand, the output stopped putting out microbubbles after about the first day I used this skimmer. I don't think it could be a break-in issue because Ed used the skimmer a month before I had it. But now when I look at the outflow, there are zero bubbles coming out. Ed said that he used to get a ton of micro bubbles...go figure. Not that I'm complaining. This skimmer is sitting in 7.5" of water, BTW.

[mr294]

A package arrived, what could it be?



It's my membership card

[uhuru]

I got the connector today so I can hook up the pump to the skimmer. Victor your customer service is second to none!

I think I will try to get it set up tonight then I'll take some pics.

[GuySmilie]

Originally posted by mr294
A package arrived, what could it be?

I don't know but that pooch is so excited (s)he needs a drink!

[GuySmilie]

^

[uhuru]

the larger body and needlewheel in place of the meshwheel has completely eliminated any microbubbles! I'm also tempted to put the meshwheel back on to see if I can get away with it . . . maybe I'll try it this weekend With the meshwheel on the original nano body I couldn't even see the water line. Still can't get over how completely silent this is.