ATB 840 vs Royal exclusiv Alpha 170 - Page 2

Joel A · 07/27/2009, 07:48 AM

ok, thanks everyone... it might just come down to which i can get a better deal on...

question regarding footprints though..

the ATB is 10.5 x 14 and the alpha 170 is 12.5 x 7.5
it says the size of the A170 can be shortned a bit by trimming down the coupling.. but i don't think you cfan make the footprint of the ATB any smaller? My sump is only 13" wide, so would i need a new sump to fit the ATB?

DarG · 07/27/2009, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joander123
ok, thanks everyone... it might just come down to which i can get a better deal on...

question regarding footprints though..

the ATB is 10.5 x 14 and the alpha 170 is 12.5 x 7.5
it says the size of the A170 can be shortned a bit by trimming down the coupling.. but i don't think you cfan make the footprint of the ATB any smaller? My sump is only 13" wide, so would i need a new sump to fit the ATB?

The long dimension in both footprints takes into account the pump projecting from the skimmer. Orienting the skimmer so the pump doesnt face the side walls will allow the ATB to fit with room to spare if the stated footprint is correct.

Joel A · 07/27/2009, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DarG
The long dimension in both footprints takes into account the pump projecting from the skimmer. Orienting the skimmer so the pump doesnt face the side walls will allow the ATB to fit with room to spare if the stated footprint is correct.

right... but the base of the skimmer itself, combined with the wedgepipe is what i'm worried about.. not sure if it would be bigger than 13" at it's widest point no matter how i oriented it?

alex93se · 07/27/2009, 08:55 AM

Here's my opinion on the skimmers:

1. The ATB will skim better that the RE on smaller tanks, the RE on larger tanks. This is due to the fact that it has a smaller diameter neck, which will create a more stable foam head on lower bioloads.

2. The RE is superior in materials and construction, although the latest ATBs are getting better. No comparison here.

3. The RE uses a detuned red dragon vs. the ATB's supercharged Sicce. I'd rather have a pump that's working less and has more to give than one that's maxed out. Just my opinion here folks.

4. Customer support for the ATB seems to be great from Victor. With the RE, I'd just go direct to PA for support. I wouldn't be too concerned w/ replacement parts, etc. How often does someone actually break a skimmer?

5. I judge the smell of skimmate over the color to determine how good my skimmer is.

6. Finally, the RE just looks sexier!

DarG · 07/27/2009, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joander123
right... but the base of the skimmer itself, combined with the wedgepipe is what i'm worried about.. not sure if it would be bigger than 13" at it's widest point no matter how i oriented it?

the way the pump is oriented on the skimmer in relation to the outlet of the skimmer allows you to rotate the skimmer so that it will actually fit a sump that is as wide as the smallest dimension of the skimmers footprint, 10.5"
It's hard to explain in writing but the footprint takes the output plumbing into consideration.

Take a close look at the pictures and you will see what Im talking about. All the cones are pretty much set up the same way. The Alpha 200 fits in my 12" wide sump with room to spare. Check out the marine solutions or salt water connection website and look at the dual sicce cone skimmer ... that skimmer fit in my 12" wide sump and there was even a little room to spare side to side.

mojo~ · 07/27/2009, 09:38 AM

Well I have had both the alpha 170 and the 840. Both are great skimmers. It doesnt boil down to performance as I had posted in another thread. When you get into some of the higher priced models it comes down to options. Ease of use, build quality, and customer service.

I have talked with Jeremy several times about this. I agree with him 100%
I can say the atb kicks in a little sooner than the alpha. THe alpha takes longer to fill the neck.

I would say if you have a 9 to 10 inch water level in your sump go with the alpha.

If you have a 6 to 8 get the ATB.

Mojo~

Joel A · 07/27/2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo~
Well I have had both the alpha 170 and the 840. Both are great skimmers. It doesnt boil down to performance as I had posted in another thread. When you get into some of the higher priced models it comes down to options. Ease of use, build quality, and customer service.

I have talked with Jeremy several times about this. I agree with him 100%
I can say the atb kicks in a little sooner than the alpha. THe alpha takes longer to fill the neck.

I would say if you have a 9 to 10 inch water level in your sump go with the alpha.

If you have a 6 to 8 get the ATB.

Mojo~

what if it could be 6-8, or 9-10 inches of water in my sump.. lol i haven't installed baffles yet...

Jeremy B. · 07/27/2009, 09:59 AM

Make it deeper so that you're not limited. You can then always raise a skimmer up out of the water as long as the clearance overhead is not an issue.

Joel A · 07/27/2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeremy B.
Make it deeper so that you're not limited. You can then always raise a skimmer up out of the water as long as the clearance overhead is not an issue.

yeah, that was my thought as well...

teog · 07/27/2009, 12:31 PM

I was deciding over these two skimmers as well. They both have great reviews and do the job better than most. I went ATB 840 because I got a great deal on a used one.

If it wasnt for that deal I would still be deciding..lol

mojo~ · 07/27/2009, 02:48 PM

BTW the side by side picture above is my pic on my kitchen table. Everyone loves my pics these days. lol.

vanillagorila · 07/27/2009, 03:05 PM

Mojo~ did you do a review on the 170?

mojo~ · 07/27/2009, 05:19 PM

nope, I have my opinions but did not do a review on it. Just opens up too many can of worms from people. Its a great skimmer not a threaded neck fan but its nice.
When you use a bk mini where you just grab the cup and go. it kinda spoils you.

Joel A · 07/27/2009, 05:45 PM

well that's my next question... would a BK mini 180 or 200 out perform these two?

fernandokng · 07/28/2009, 07:08 AM

Who cares about opening the can of worms.

You're already doing the hobby a huge favor with your reviews.

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo~
nope, I have my opinions but did not do a review on it. Just opens up too many can of worms from people. Its a great skimmer not a threaded neck fan but its nice.
When you use a bk mini where you just grab the cup and go. it kinda spoils you.

07/27/2009, 09:38 AM	#31
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	Well I have had both the alpha 170 and the 840. Both are great skimmers. It doesnt boil down to performance as I had posted in another thread. When you get into some of the higher priced models it comes down to options. Ease of use, build quality, and customer service. I have talked with Jeremy several times about this. I agree with him 100% I can say the atb kicks in a little sooner than the alpha. THe alpha takes longer to fill the neck. I would say if you have a 9 to 10 inch water level in your sump go with the alpha. If you have a 6 to 8 get the ATB. Mojo~ __________________ Mojo~

07/27/2009, 12:31 PM	#35
teog Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Winter Springs, FL Posts: 1,536	I was deciding over these two skimmers as well. They both have great reviews and do the job better than most. I went ATB 840 because I got a great deal on a used one. If it wasnt for that deal I would still be deciding..lol __________________ Fir Na Tine isaiah 43:2 Current Tank Info: 90g RR w/ 20g sump. Galaxyhyrdo lighting, BM curve 7 skimmer, dct6000 return pump

07/27/2009, 02:48 PM	#36
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	BTW the side by side picture above is my pic on my kitchen table. Everyone loves my pics these days. lol. __________________ Mojo~

07/27/2009, 03:05 PM	#37
vanillagorila It stings the nostrils Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Surprise, Az Posts: 1,862	Mojo~ did you do a review on the 170? __________________ "Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten" Current Tank Info: 60g cube, Elite Aquatics cube sump, ATB 840, AI Hydra 26 x2

07/27/2009, 05:19 PM	#38
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	nope, I have my opinions but did not do a review on it. Just opens up too many can of worms from people. Its a great skimmer not a threaded neck fan but its nice. When you use a bk mini where you just grab the cup and go. it kinda spoils you. __________________ Mojo~

07/27/2009, 07:48 AM	#26
Joel A Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Masschusetts Posts: 410	ok, thanks everyone... it might just come down to which i can get a better deal on... question regarding footprints though.. the ATB is 10.5 x 14 and the alpha 170 is 12.5 x 7.5 it says the size of the A170 can be shortned a bit by trimming down the coupling.. but i don't think you cfan make the footprint of the ATB any smaller? My sump is only 13" wide, so would i need a new sump to fit the ATB?

07/27/2009, 08:55 AM	#29
alex93se Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 18901 Posts: 271	Here's my opinion on the skimmers: 1. The ATB will skim better that the RE on smaller tanks, the RE on larger tanks. This is due to the fact that it has a smaller diameter neck, which will create a more stable foam head on lower bioloads. 2. The RE is superior in materials and construction, although the latest ATBs are getting better. No comparison here. 3. The RE uses a detuned red dragon vs. the ATB's supercharged Sicce. I'd rather have a pump that's working less and has more to give than one that's maxed out. Just my opinion here folks. 4. Customer support for the ATB seems to be great from Victor. With the RE, I'd just go direct to PA for support. I wouldn't be too concerned w/ replacement parts, etc. How often does someone actually break a skimmer? 5. I judge the smell of skimmate over the color to determine how good my skimmer is. 6. Finally, the RE just looks sexier!

07/27/2009, 09:59 AM	#33
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	Make it deeper so that you're not limited. You can then always raise a skimmer up out of the water as long as the clearance overhead is not an issue.

07/27/2009, 05:45 PM	#39
Joel A Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Masschusetts Posts: 410	well that's my next question... would a BK mini 180 or 200 out perform these two?