ATB has been working on this HOB design for sometime. Our original post shows photos from the first prototype, but the revamped design shows significant construction changes. Most notably a solid acrylic cone body and small HOB “clamp” Doing away with the older and larger HOB mount allows easier use as an in sump [...]
ATB has been working on this HOB design for sometime. Our original post shows photos from the first prototype, but the revamped design shows significant construction changes. Most notably a solid acrylic cone body and small HOB “clamp”
Doing away with the older and larger HOB mount allows easier use as an in sump model. In addition to running in sump, it can be operated two different ways as a hang on the back, “HOB”. The pump can be placed in the aquarium, or outside.
By placing the pump outside the tank it frees up valuable real estate inside and lowers the heat transmission directly to the water. The small Askoll pump that is used won’t heat much, but it could be important for those utilizing Metal Halides over Nano Reefs. I’d also venture a guess that bubble size is smaller from less distance traveled before entering the skimmer body.
As perviously mentioned, the body has no seams. It’s likely a cast acrylic mold and should make manufacturing these skimmers easier and less expensive.
Originally this skimmer has designed around the Hagen 702 power head with custom volute ala Jonathan Manke. Last I heard there were some issues they were having in Austria with this pump, and they are testing this smaller Askoll motor. Which pump will ultimately be used is still up in the air, but even with the Askoll the performance looks impressive. Here is the original prototype in action powered by the Askoll:
