Yesterday I had the opportunity to install the ATB External Small Cone skimmer that I had previously shown. The installation was straight forward and simple, what took time was finding a proper stand to elevate the skimmer above the rim of the sump. Rather than drilling the sump for the skimmers output, the stand gives [...]
Yesterday I had the opportunity to install the ATB External Small Cone skimmer that I had previously shown. The installation was straight forward and simple, what took time was finding a proper stand to elevate the skimmer above the rim of the sump. Rather than drilling the sump for the skimmers output, the stand gives me the opportunity to add small shelving space behind the tank. This will come in handy for some upcoming equipment. I ended up using a basic 15″ cube shelving unit / stand.
I am currently using a Maxijet 1200 to feed the skimmer, after friction and plumbing loss I would estimate flow throughput to be 200-250gph. This is on par with ATB’s recommendation. Due to the small feed input on the ATB I did not feel a direct overflow feed was a real possibility. To eliminate the additional MJ1200 pump, in the future a tee from the return will be used.
The skimmer’s performance is impressive. When first plugging it in, the benefit of the cone body really shows; the calm stacking effect is unlike any skimmer I have used.
The photos you see are 2 hours after installation. The skimmer is still breaking in and at the moment producing very wet skimmate. I’ll have more information on electric consumption and air intake after it settles in. For just one day of use, this ATB Cone is performing quite well.
