Bubble King Skimmer Club - Page 18

DJPB · 02/24/2010, 12:56 AM

Jeremy, sent you an email about the 200

DJPB · 02/24/2010, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asmodeus

i have a SM 250 on my 170
get what you get go for the 200 or the 250

the mini's are crap trust me I have had both 180 and the 200

Why do you feel the mini's are crap? Just wondering as I'm considering a 200 for my 180g. Thanks

Laverna · 02/24/2010, 10:13 PM

Hello everyone,

I am in the midst of setting up my new system and am about to pull the pin on my skimmer purchase but ran into a problem. I will be running surges in the system and the sump level will vary by roughly 3 to 5 inches at any given time. I had planned on using an in sump model but am wondering if the flux of water will effect performance. I am very short on space for a external.
BTW the system total will be roughly 500 gallons and I get a little heavy handed with the phyto and feedings.

Thanks

asmodeus · 02/24/2010, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJPB

Why do you feel the mini's are crap? Just wondering as I'm considering a 200 for my 180g. Thanks

I ran the 200 on my 150 its was ok, but its just wasn't what i thought all this hype was about. however your contact time isnt there. Its great and all, its stating that its rated for 265 gal. I really dont see it. I have a 250 SM on my 150 and its keeping it super clean. I could really probably use a SM 200 would work too go the extra $$ and get the SM model

Jeremy B. · 02/25/2010, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laverna

Hello everyone,

I am in the midst of setting up my new system and am about to pull the pin on my skimmer purchase but ran into a problem. I will be running surges in the system and the sump level will vary by roughly 3 to 5 inches at any given time. I had planned on using an in sump model but am wondering if the flux of water will effect performance. I am very short on space for a external.
BTW the system total will be roughly 500 gallons and I get a little heavy handed with the phyto and feedings.

Thanks

You would need to go external with a sump that fluctuates that much. Or if you could baffle up an area of the sump that wouldn't fluctuate, but I'm not sure how much room you would have to do this?

Jeremy B. · 02/25/2010, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asmodeus

I ran the 200 on my 150 its was ok, but its just wasn't what i thought all this hype was about. however your contact time isnt there. Its great and all, its stating that its rated for 265 gal. I really dont see it. I have a 250 SM on my 150 and its keeping it super clean. I could really probably use a SM 200 would work too go the extra $$ and get the SM model

Glad to hear your SM is rocking for you. The Mini's are not really touted as the best performance based skimmers on the market, but more the best performer out there combined with quality of construction and efficiency / quietness in that small of a footprint. If you had enough flow through in your sump, the Mini 200 could handle a 265gal tank with no problem though. For comparison on this, check out all of the old TOTM pages on RC back in '02/'03/'04/'05, etc.... when we used to run heavily loaded sps tanks that were this size with EuroReef CS8-2 skimmers, etc. It's definitely possible.

Post some pics of your SM sometime, I'd like to see it in running in your sump!

justinbarstow · 02/28/2010, 05:14 PM

i have a 30 gallon bio cube w/ a hob refugium but no sump.i was looking at the bk 200 external and i have 2 questions 1) is there any way i can use that w/ out over skimming the tank ( would really like to find a way too). second. i am assuming the external means it is a recirculating skimmer? meaning i can hook it up outside the tank via a feed pump and have it dump back into the tank? any help would be appreciated. thanks- justin

asmodeus · 02/28/2010, 07:04 PM

no problems here are a few Jerm

this is 15 mins after starting it up retarded isn't it.

making sure the strength of the BK are top notch..

This is what the BK SM 250 is Skimming

right side

middle

left side

Jeremy B. · 03/01/2010, 01:51 PM

Outstanding! The photo of you biting the lid is hilarious!

reeftivo · 03/02/2010, 12:08 PM

Jeremy,

Received the BK mini from you-Thanks-Nice!!

Finally installed it and I've had the BK 160 mini running for 24 hours now and notice that it seems sensative to only an 1/8 inch water level fluctuation. I run a Tunze osmolator and only have 1/8 inch fluctuating between top off. I also have the skimmer operating at 10 1/4 inches and plan to bring the level down to 9 inches to see what it will do.

The effects I'm seeing are a good foam head forming and rising then as the water level drops slightly over time, so does the foam head until the ATO kicks in and pushes it back up 1/8in. Then the foam head comes back up. I haven't really heard anything about these being too level sensative when kept within the range I have, so I'm thinking I'm running the skimmer with too high of a water level. I have the air/water line an inch below the max level line on the body of the skimmer and the bubbles are breaking at about 1/3 up the neck of the skimmer. I've played with quite a few skimmers over the years and the foam head dropping in and out on the BK has me curious.

Your Thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Tivo

Jeremy B. · 03/03/2010, 10:40 AM

This is pretty common, especially with a new skimmer. Once the skimmer gets slimed up it won't fluctuate that much with only 1/8", but it still will just very slightly. Give it time to break in and get going.

reeftivo · 03/04/2010, 10:40 AM

Thanks Jeremy,

I've lowered the water level in sump to 9 inches and it seems much more stable. I need this thing to skim dry since I'm running Zeo. Looking good so far! I'll get pics tonight.

Tivo

rsuplido · 03/15/2010, 04:25 AM

Quick question. What's the difference between a BK Mini 160 gen1 and gen2? Is there a way to upgrade to gen2? Thanks.

mojo~ · 03/15/2010, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsuplido

Quick question. What's the difference between a BK Mini 160 gen1 and gen2? Is there a way to upgrade to gen2? Thanks.

The only difference on the 160 is where the air silencer is mounted.
the gen 2 180 and 200 have a custom volute and added air draw. the 160 remained the same.

Padrino · 03/15/2010, 09:09 PM

question for all of you. I currently have a BK mini 160 on my 90 but will be upgrading to a 500 gal system. What skimmer would you suggest? I was thinking SM250? Would that be suffice?

BriGuy31+ · 03/15/2010, 09:32 PM

Do you guys think a BK 160 mini will be too big for my new 65 gallon cube? I would like to upgrade again in a few years and I'm hoping this top of the line skimmer will not be overkill on my new cube. Can you really ever over skim? Slight newbie questions, but I've been good with my CPR bacpak on my NC until now, so I don't know too much about skimmers. But I have learned to buy the nice stuff once and your good to go.

Kinetic · 03/16/2010, 12:16 AM

My BK 160 pump has started to make a really loud "fizzing" sound. What might the problem be?

Jeremy B. · 03/16/2010, 09:01 AM

@BriGuy, the Mini 160 would be perfect on that size system. You could then run it up to around 120gal or so depending on stock load, and should still be just fine.

@Kinetic, when was the last time you had everything apart to clean it? There is a good chance that the silencer is clogging up. I would recommend you break it all down and give everything a good cleaning. Also, pull the impeller out and soak the motorblock and impeller in 1:1 vinegar to water solution overnight.

Creetin · 03/16/2010, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padrino

question for all of you. I currently have a BK mini 160 on my 90 but will be upgrading to a 500 gal system. What skimmer would you suggest? I was thinking SM250? Would that be suffice?

I think it would be fine as long as its not super loaded with fish, If you want to overstock then I would go with the SM300.

Kinetic · 03/16/2010, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy B.

@Kinetic, when was the last time you had everything apart to clean it? There is a good chance that the silencer is clogging up. I would recommend you break it all down and give everything a good cleaning. Also, pull the impeller out and soak the motorblock and impeller in 1:1 vinegar to water solution overnight.

I've never cleaned it. It's only 3 months old tho?

Jeremy B. · 03/16/2010, 01:38 PM

I would recommend cleaning the skimmer every 3-5 months, just make it standard practice. I knew a guy who purchased a Mini 180 that was 10 months old, and pulled the impeller out upon receipt. It was the nastiest, calcium deposit covered impeller I have ever seen. It was completely white!

Kinetic · 03/16/2010, 02:18 PM

crazy! didn't know I needed to clean them out so often. Will do it today. Thanks for the help.

wpnorton · 03/16/2010, 07:00 PM

The Red Dragon pump on my Gen 1 mini BK 160 went out last week. Does anyone know how to get a replacement that doesn't cost $400+? I'm willing to substitute a lesser motor if needed. I'll just need it to work size wise?

Jeremy B. · 03/16/2010, 07:37 PM

Are you 100% sure that the motorblock is dead? I ask because it's VERY rare that the motorblock itself dies, and the impeller or bearing usually goes bad first.

wpnorton · 03/16/2010, 08:25 PM

Nope, I'm not sure it's the motor, but it sure seems like it. The impellor will spin Intermitintly for a minute then stop dead. Manualy rotating the impellor doesn't prompt it to move at all. Could it be a power cord issue? Can I send it in to be serviced?

02/24/2010, 10:13 PM	#428
Laverna Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 299	Question on BK skimmer with surges Hello everyone, I am in the midst of setting up my new system and am about to pull the pin on my skimmer purchase but ran into a problem. I will be running surges in the system and the sump level will vary by roughly 3 to 5 inches at any given time. I had planned on using an in sump model but am wondering if the flux of water will effect performance. I am very short on space for a external. BTW the system total will be roughly 500 gallons and I get a little heavy handed with the phyto and feedings. Thanks __________________ ~Fish Junkie Extrodinaire~ Current Tank Info: 1000 gallons total. Too much equipment to list!

02/28/2010, 07:04 PM	#433
asmodeus SKIMMER WHORE Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Fredericton, NB, Canada Posts: 1,564	no problems here are a few Jerm this is 15 mins after starting it up retarded isn't it. making sure the strength of the BK are top notch.. This is what the BK SM 250 is Skimming right side middle left side __________________ Doesn't matter how much you have been reading, until you take the plunge. You don't know as much as you think. Moved from the WEST to the EAST

03/02/2010, 12:08 PM	#435
reeftivo Skim junkie Join Date: May 2008 Location: chino, CA Posts: 3,417	Jeremy, Received the BK mini from you-Thanks-Nice!! Finally installed it and I've had the BK 160 mini running for 24 hours now and notice that it seems sensative to only an 1/8 inch water level fluctuation. I run a Tunze osmolator and only have 1/8 inch fluctuating between top off. I also have the skimmer operating at 10 1/4 inches and plan to bring the level down to 9 inches to see what it will do. The effects I'm seeing are a good foam head forming and rising then as the water level drops slightly over time, so does the foam head until the ATO kicks in and pushes it back up 1/8in. Then the foam head comes back up. I haven't really heard anything about these being too level sensative when kept within the range I have, so I'm thinking I'm running the skimmer with too high of a water level. I have the air/water line an inch below the max level line on the body of the skimmer and the bubbles are breaking at about 1/3 up the neck of the skimmer. I've played with quite a few skimmers over the years and the foam head dropping in and out on the BK has me curious. Your Thoughts? Thanks in advance, Tivo __________________ I told you not to be stupid you moron!(Stern) Current Tank Info: 60 gal cube/20g tideline sump-mixed reef, Aquamaxx c-tech Ca Rx, Akula 160 skimmer, paxbellum N18, mitras LX7 lighting with T-5s, apex controller Last edited by reeftivo; 03/02/2010 at 12:14 PM.

03/04/2010, 10:40 AM	#437
reeftivo Skim junkie Join Date: May 2008 Location: chino, CA Posts: 3,417	Thanks Jeremy, I've lowered the water level in sump to 9 inches and it seems much more stable. I need this thing to skim dry since I'm running Zeo. Looking good so far! I'll get pics tonight. Tivo __________________ I told you not to be stupid you moron!(Stern) Current Tank Info: 60 gal cube/20g tideline sump-mixed reef, Aquamaxx c-tech Ca Rx, Akula 160 skimmer, paxbellum N18, mitras LX7 lighting with T-5s, apex controller

02/24/2010, 12:56 AM	#426
DJPB Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 945	Jeremy, sent you an email about the 200

02/28/2010, 05:14 PM	#432
justinbarstow Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 15	i have a 30 gallon bio cube w/ a hob refugium but no sump.i was looking at the bk 200 external and i have 2 questions 1) is there any way i can use that w/ out over skimming the tank ( would really like to find a way too). second. i am assuming the external means it is a recirculating skimmer? meaning i can hook it up outside the tank via a feed pump and have it dump back into the tank? any help would be appreciated. thanks- justin

03/01/2010, 01:51 PM	#434
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	Outstanding! The photo of you biting the lid is hilarious!

03/03/2010, 10:40 AM	#436
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	This is pretty common, especially with a new skimmer. Once the skimmer gets slimed up it won't fluctuate that much with only 1/8", but it still will just very slightly. Give it time to break in and get going.

03/15/2010, 04:25 AM	#438
rsuplido Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Hurricane, WV Posts: 646	Quick question. What's the difference between a BK Mini 160 gen1 and gen2? Is there a way to upgrade to gen2? Thanks.

03/15/2010, 09:09 PM	#440
Padrino Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,934	question for all of you. I currently have a BK mini 160 on my 90 but will be upgrading to a 500 gal system. What skimmer would you suggest? I was thinking SM250? Would that be suffice?

03/15/2010, 09:32 PM	#441
BriGuy31+ Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Waterford, Michigan Posts: 163	Do you guys think a BK 160 mini will be too big for my new 65 gallon cube? I would like to upgrade again in a few years and I'm hoping this top of the line skimmer will not be overkill on my new cube. Can you really ever over skim? Slight newbie questions, but I've been good with my CPR bacpak on my NC until now, so I don't know too much about skimmers. But I have learned to buy the nice stuff once and your good to go.

03/16/2010, 12:16 AM	#442
Kinetic Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 7,230	My BK 160 pump has started to make a really loud "fizzing" sound. What might the problem be?

03/16/2010, 09:01 AM	#443
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	@BriGuy, the Mini 160 would be perfect on that size system. You could then run it up to around 120gal or so depending on stock load, and should still be just fine. @Kinetic, when was the last time you had everything apart to clean it? There is a good chance that the silencer is clogging up. I would recommend you break it all down and give everything a good cleaning. Also, pull the impeller out and soak the motorblock and impeller in 1:1 vinegar to water solution overnight.

03/16/2010, 01:38 PM	#446
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	I would recommend cleaning the skimmer every 3-5 months, just make it standard practice. I knew a guy who purchased a Mini 180 that was 10 months old, and pulled the impeller out upon receipt. It was the nastiest, calcium deposit covered impeller I have ever seen. It was completely white!

03/16/2010, 02:18 PM	#447
Kinetic Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 7,230	crazy! didn't know I needed to clean them out so often. Will do it today. Thanks for the help.

03/16/2010, 07:00 PM	#448
wpnorton Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vacaville Ca Posts: 604	The Red Dragon pump on my Gen 1 mini BK 160 went out last week. Does anyone know how to get a replacement that doesn't cost $400+? I'm willing to substitute a lesser motor if needed. I'll just need it to work size wise?

03/16/2010, 07:37 PM	#449
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	Are you 100% sure that the motorblock is dead? I ask because it's VERY rare that the motorblock itself dies, and the impeller or bearing usually goes bad first.

03/16/2010, 08:25 PM	#450
wpnorton Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vacaville Ca Posts: 604	Nope, I'm not sure it's the motor, but it sure seems like it. The impellor will spin Intermitintly for a minute then stop dead. Manualy rotating the impellor doesn't prompt it to move at all. Could it be a power cord issue? Can I send it in to be serviced?