Here's some technical information about the skimmers:

ATB 840 Small (out of production)
Footprint with pump: 14 x 8"
Height: 21"
Body base diameter: 8″
Neck diameter: 3.75"
Pump: Eheim 1260
Water flow: 645 gph (without air), 264 gph (with air)
Max air draw: Up to 900 L/hr
Power consumption: 65 watts
Manufacturer tank rating: Up to 249 gallons

Bubble King Double Cone +RD3 Speedy
Footprint with pump: 14 x 11.5"
Height: 21"
Body base diameter: 8"
Neck diameter: 3.9"
Pump: Red Dragon 3 Speedy DC
Water flow: 1320 gph (without air), 793 gph (with air)
Max air draw: 1500 L/hr
Power consumption: 50 watts
Manufacturer tank rating: Up to 132 gallons

On paper, the Bubble King definitely leads the race. Especially with that whopping 1500 liters per hour air draw using only 50 watts of power. I like the small neck diameters on both skimmers - this was a significant factor for me since it's tricky to find a good skimmer for small water volume.

The skimmer bodies are VERY similar - the BK has a wine bottle shape and the ATB has a true cone shape. The bubble plate design is very similar - the wine bottle shape of the BK allows a slighter larger distance from the body wall to the top of the bubble plate component, where the ATB is slightly narrower at this point. They are the same height. The same base diameter. The BK shortens the body height in favor of a taller collection cup, thus the ATB has a taller body height. The standpipe on the BK is 1/4" larger than the standpipe on the ATB - likely to allow the significantly larger water volume to pass through. On the BK the outlet is positioned lower, where the ATB is slightly up the body wall - maybe there will be less microbubbles leaving the BK. The most significant difference is the pump - a $200 pump and a $700 pump.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...SPS/BK%205.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...SPS/BK%204.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...SPS/BK%203.jpg

I will be fabricating a steel stand for the tank. I was going to do it today, but found the steel supply stores closed yesterday. :bad-word:

As per discussion here, I will be building it out of 1" square tube with 0.15" wall thickness (provided this is a common size that I can find). I'll put some small 45 degree braces in most of the corners to help with any wobble.

The finishing of the stand will be 3/4" plywood panels that I will finish with an enamel acrylic white paint on the inside, and the outside will be finished with an oil-based high gloss spray in a dark gray to match our lower kitchen cabinets.

The plywood panels will be attached using magnets so they are easily removable for maintenance. Seeing as the sump area will be very limited for space, the removable panels will help with access - especially in the electrical area. There will be a divider to make a "dry side" to protect the electrical from the "wet side" of the sump.

Wow you're going to do all the welding yourself? That's impressive. Pictures!

I should have explained that a bit better...hubby has a welder. I can weld, but I haven't done it enough to be any good. I'll probably just do the grinding and painting of it. :D

Why the BK over a Vertex Omega?

I don't think the Omega has anything on the ATB, so the Omega never really interested me. I considered the Vertex Alpha, and even pursued that option for awhile, but I couldn't pass up the good deal on the BK that was purchased when the Canadian Dollar was still strong. :D

Besides, I wanted to start a journal on RC and no one will read it if you don't have a BK. :neutral: I'm joking (kind of...lol).

I get zero microbubbles out of my BK. You should see similar results I hope.

You have a BK? Cool, I'll follow this thread now!! ;)

I hope so! :)

Oh Brad, you're such a snob. :twised: I'm glad my build is up to snuff for you. What else should I buy? I should probably replace my old school grey GHL doser for a snazzy new white GHL doser because it would look better. :wink:

Fancy tank - check!
BK skimmer - check!
ATI lights - check!
GHL shizz - check!
Lots of GHL shizz - nope
Tidy white sump area - workin on it.
RD return pump - uh, no. Aw, I'm off the cool list now. :(

Or, you could get a real doser and do away with GHL stuff entirely!! :)