ATB has created the Model 2009 Cone Skimmer to suit the needs of the most demanding aquarists. Despite their performance, in the past I have had the lingering feeling that the ATB External Cone Skimmers have been an in-sump design modified for external use. The Model 2009 squashes those feelings with a large base plate and some [...]
ATB has created the Model 2009 Cone Skimmer to suit the needs of the most demanding aquarists. Despite their performance, in the past I have had the lingering feeling that the ATB External Cone Skimmers have been an in-sump design modified for external use. The Model 2009 squashes those feelings with a large base plate and some very unique features.
Like all ATB’s, except for the new Econo Line that are on the way to the US right now, the Model 2009 can be fully dissembled for easy cleaning and maintenance. However, the 2009 incorporates a reverse cone transition to the base and an extended conical bubble plate.
There are two venturi intakes on the Airstar, one for airdraw and the over for ozone. The black nipple is the input into the skimmer.
The two best features of this skimmer are incorporated into the collection cup. When you are pulling a lot of air you are also pushing a lot of air out, which allows skimmate to smell up the room. By recirculating the air through the collection cup less air is actually escaping the skimmer, meaning less stink! However, with this design you risk potentially recirculating actual skimmate which would cause the skimmer to overflow and potentially causing some water damage to your flooring. To prevent this ATB has installed a small float switch in the collection cup. Once the skimmer hits that pre-set level, the Airstar pump will be shut off. No smell and no mess.
Overall it is a nice spin on the standard cone that we are now seeing pop up everywhere, and an even nicer edition to the ATB line up. The 2009 Cone Skimmer shown here is rated for roughly 500 gallons, no word on when these will be available. I’ll leave you with the skimmate shot below, used for making nice warm ATB Lagers.
