Help me pick WM K2- BM 250 cone or the ATB Medium cone?

ranran · 09/05/2009, 08:39 PM

So $$ is always a concern but I am able to get anyone of these skimmers.
Questions is whitch one?
I am looking for quitest most effient turn key skimmer of the group.
Skimmer is for a 200 gallon plus sump sps tank. My last skimmer was a orca 250 that i had on my 330 sps.

Any thoughts on what one you would pick? please help me out and throw in your .02
Thanks Randy

ranran · 09/05/2009, 08:40 PM

here are some links to the skimmers.
http://www.atbskimmers.com/products/...one%20Skimmers
http://www.marinedepot.com/Warner_Ma...PSISNW-vi.html
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ode=bubbleking

vanillagorila · 09/05/2009, 09:14 PM

IMO, the K2 is wouldn't be able to handle a tank that size.

luther1200 · 09/05/2009, 09:24 PM

How big is the sump. How many fish do you plan on having?

ranran · 09/05/2009, 11:36 PM

sump is 50 galls but only about 35-40 when running. I also dont want to fight any micro bubble problems with my skimmer

tinnghe · 09/06/2009, 01:18 AM

There are more options than just those 3. For example the octo coming out with a cone. Itech 200 so far mine favorite, are these the only one you looking at? You will have to look for a skimmer a little bigger than 200 just so that it has more room for expansion

GSMguy · 09/06/2009, 06:44 AM

The ATB!

The k2 while a good performer is not nearly as much skimmer as the ATB 1050. The ATB has 50% more air and twice the water processing. Microbubbles won't be an issue

sjm817 · 09/06/2009, 07:20 AM

Of those listed, I would pick te ATB. If you want something that will kick butt for a lot less money, the new SWC/MSX 250A or 300A Askoll powered skimmers for $550 and $600.

skimmy · 09/06/2009, 10:41 AM

what he said...

mojo~ · 09/06/2009, 10:57 AM

First choice for me would be the ATB 1050A, The MSX 250A, or the hurricone cat 1 or 2.

The ATB I choose first because of long term customer satisfation. IT performs with no mods or tinkering and has awesome customer service. It is built well and thus my number one pick.

The MSX and hurricones both use the askoll pump as well but do not use the custom volute like the ATB. They both still pull great amounts of air and are good bang for your buck skimmers. The guys at marinesolutions and and reefspecialty are great to work with as well.

The k2 is a good performer butI dont think it will process enough water for your system volume.

Mojo~

sjm817 · 09/06/2009, 11:00 AM

The ATB, MSX, Hurricones all use custom volutes. The only Askoll skimmer pumps I've ever seen that uses the stock volute are the small Bubble Kings.

GSMguy · 09/06/2009, 11:19 AM

ya the gen1 bubble king minis and the current mini 160 are the only laguna pumps without volutes.

the SWC and CV volutes are molded the ATB and BK are CnC, not that that affects performance.

i think the SWC holds the airpull title for the 1500 block

moondoggy4 · 09/06/2009, 11:43 AM

I believe that there is a used ATB medium for sale on the used forum. Good price also

ranran · 09/06/2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sjm817
Of those listed, I would pick te ATB. If you want something that will kick butt for a lot less money, the new SWC/MSX 250A or 300A Askoll powered skimmers for $550 and $600.

I did not consider the swc askoll skimmers for under 600 looks like a lot of bang for the buck. Do you have any feed back as far as noise and micro bubbles?

ranran · 09/06/2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo~
First choice for me would be the ATB 1050A, The MSX 250A, or the hurricone cat 1 or 2.

The ATB I choose first because of long term customer satisfation. IT performs with no mods or tinkering and has awesome customer service. It is built well and thus my number one pick.

The MSX and hurricones both use the askoll pump as well but do not use the custom volute like the ATB. They both still pull great amounts of air and are good bang for your buck skimmers. The guys at marinesolutions and and reefspecialty are great to work with as well.

The k2 is a good performer butI dont think it will process enough water for your system volume.

Mojo~

Thanks Mojo thats the straight forward kind of feedback I was looking for. Do you have any experence with the swc skimmers as far as noise and micro bubbles?

ranran · 09/06/2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by moondoggy4
I believe that there is a used ATB medium for sale on the used forum. Good price also

I saw that he has it listed for 900 shipped not bad but still really close to retail.

joncat24 · 09/06/2009, 11:50 AM

I have a modified MSX 250 with the askoll pump. It is almost silent. The air sucking noise is all I hear. I have no problems with microbubble at all. My sump is built with bubble traps in it, so that eliminates micro bubble problems for me. For the money, you cant go wrong with the MSX.

ranran · 09/06/2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by joncat24
I have a modified MSX 250 with the askoll pump. It is almost silent. The air sucking noise is all I hear. I have no problems with microbubble at all. My sump is built with bubble traps in it, so that eliminates micro bubble problems for me. For the money, you cant go wrong with the MSX.

What is modified on your skimmer I really want a proven turn key skimmer not something I need to mod

sjm817 · 09/06/2009, 12:15 PM

There are 2 types of the MSX Askoll skimmers. There are the old MSX250 and 300 skimmers that originally shipped with dual Sicces pumps that were modified by the owner or by Marine Solutions. The Sicce pumps were replaced with a single Askoll pump. This pump performs very well and is as quiet as any other Askoll skimmer. This is the modified skimmer several people run (I run one).

There are new 250A/300A skimmers just hitting the market with a factory Askoll, and a new body design. New bubble plate, longer and wider neck, more taper transition. No modifications are needed on the new model.

ranran · 09/06/2009, 12:23 PM

Cool thanks I think I might of found a winner!
I just sent swc an email.

09/05/2009, 08:39 PM	#1
ranran Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: vanc wa Posts: 765	Help me pick WM K2- BM 250 cone or the ATB Medium cone? So $$ is always a concern but I am able to get anyone of these skimmers. Questions is whitch one? I am looking for quitest most effient turn key skimmer of the group. Skimmer is for a 200 gallon plus sump sps tank. My last skimmer was a orca 250 that i had on my 330 sps. Any thoughts on what one you would pick? please help me out and throw in your .02 Thanks Randy __________________ Randy Current Tank Info: down sized to a 200 gal starfire!

09/05/2009, 08:40 PM	#2
ranran Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: vanc wa Posts: 765	here are some links to the skimmers. http://www.atbskimmers.com/products/...one%20Skimmers http://www.marinedepot.com/Warner_Ma...PSISNW-vi.html http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ode=bubbleking __________________ Randy Current Tank Info: down sized to a 200 gal starfire!

09/05/2009, 09:14 PM	#3
vanillagorila It stings the nostrils Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Surprise, Az Posts: 1,862	IMO, the K2 is wouldn't be able to handle a tank that size. __________________ "Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten" Current Tank Info: 60g cube, Elite Aquatics cube sump, ATB 840, AI Hydra 26 x2

09/05/2009, 09:24 PM	#4
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	How big is the sump. How many fish do you plan on having? __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

09/05/2009, 11:36 PM	#5
ranran Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: vanc wa Posts: 765	sump is 50 galls but only about 35-40 when running. I also dont want to fight any micro bubble problems with my skimmer __________________ Randy Current Tank Info: down sized to a 200 gal starfire!

09/06/2009, 01:18 AM	#6
tinnghe Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 800	There are more options than just those 3. For example the octo coming out with a cone. Itech 200 so far mine favorite, are these the only one you looking at? You will have to look for a skimmer a little bigger than 200 just so that it has more room for expansion

09/06/2009, 06:44 AM	#7
GSMguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Mexico Posts: 17,420	The ATB! The k2 while a good performer is not nearly as much skimmer as the ATB 1050. The ATB has 50% more air and twice the water processing. Microbubbles won't be an issue __________________ Nick. Conehead. Shallow Reef club. Current Tank Info: 48"x27"x14" Envision Acrylic rimless, 6x39w ATi Sunpower, Custom ATB Deluxe Skimmer, 4x tunze nano stream,ATB flowstar 1500, ACJR, Tunze osmolator.

09/06/2009, 07:20 AM	#8
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Of those listed, I would pick te ATB. If you want something that will kick butt for a lot less money, the new SWC/MSX 250A or 300A Askoll powered skimmers for $550 and $600. __________________ - Scott

09/06/2009, 10:41 AM	#9
skimmy T3am Zissou Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Galactic Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha Posts: 1,123	what he said...

09/06/2009, 10:57 AM	#10
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	First choice for me would be the ATB 1050A, The MSX 250A, or the hurricone cat 1 or 2. The ATB I choose first because of long term customer satisfation. IT performs with no mods or tinkering and has awesome customer service. It is built well and thus my number one pick. The MSX and hurricones both use the askoll pump as well but do not use the custom volute like the ATB. They both still pull great amounts of air and are good bang for your buck skimmers. The guys at marinesolutions and and reefspecialty are great to work with as well. The k2 is a good performer butI dont think it will process enough water for your system volume. Mojo~ __________________ Mojo~

09/06/2009, 11:00 AM	#11
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	The ATB, MSX, Hurricones all use custom volutes. The only Askoll skimmer pumps I've ever seen that uses the stock volute are the small Bubble Kings. __________________ - Scott Last edited by sjm817; 09/06/2009 at 11:06 AM.

09/06/2009, 11:19 AM	#12
GSMguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Mexico Posts: 17,420	ya the gen1 bubble king minis and the current mini 160 are the only laguna pumps without volutes. the SWC and CV volutes are molded the ATB and BK are CnC, not that that affects performance. i think the SWC holds the airpull title for the 1500 block __________________ Nick. Conehead. Shallow Reef club. Current Tank Info: 48"x27"x14" Envision Acrylic rimless, 6x39w ATi Sunpower, Custom ATB Deluxe Skimmer, 4x tunze nano stream,ATB flowstar 1500, ACJR, Tunze osmolator. Last edited by GSMguy; 09/06/2009 at 11:24 AM.

09/06/2009, 11:43 AM	#13
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	I believe that there is a used ATB medium for sale on the used forum. Good price also

09/06/2009, 11:50 AM	#17
joncat24 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Middletown,OH Posts: 443	I have a modified MSX 250 with the askoll pump. It is almost silent. The air sucking noise is all I hear. I have no problems with microbubble at all. My sump is built with bubble traps in it, so that eliminates micro bubble problems for me. For the money, you cant go wrong with the MSX. __________________ I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed person! Current Tank Info: 180 Gallon, 2 Custom Trigger systems sumps, Radion lighting, 3 Vortech mp40's, SRO 3000 skimmer

09/06/2009, 12:15 PM	#19
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	There are 2 types of the MSX Askoll skimmers. There are the old MSX250 and 300 skimmers that originally shipped with dual Sicces pumps that were modified by the owner or by Marine Solutions. The Sicce pumps were replaced with a single Askoll pump. This pump performs very well and is as quiet as any other Askoll skimmer. This is the modified skimmer several people run (I run one). There are new 250A/300A skimmers just hitting the market with a factory Askoll, and a new body design. New bubble plate, longer and wider neck, more taper transition. No modifications are needed on the new model. __________________ - Scott

09/06/2009, 12:23 PM	#20
ranran Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: vanc wa Posts: 765	Cool thanks I think I might of found a winner! I just sent swc an email. __________________ Randy Current Tank Info: down sized to a 200 gal starfire!